Ricky Ponting On Punjab Kings' Victory Over KKR:

Punjab Kings Register Fierce 16-Run Victory Over Kolkata Knight Riders

Punjab Kings staged a dramatic 16-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders in a low-scoring IPL encounter. Chasing a modest 112-run target, Punjab surprised spectators by their aggressive bowling and solid fielding, making the game an edge-of-the-seat affair.

Ponting Reflects on the Intensity of the Game

Following the match, Punjab Kings' head coach Ricky Ponting shared his reaction to the intense finish.

“My heart rate shot up. I’m 50 now and don’t need these types of nail-biters at this stage,” he joked.

Ponting emphasized the challenges of defending a small target in T20 cricket. He explained that once the chase crosses the halfway mark, pressure builds up significantly.

Pitch Conditions and Player Updates

Ponting appreciated the challenging batting conditions and commended the team for adjusting well. He also provided a fitness update on Chahal, who had suffered a shoulder injury in an earlier game.

"Chahal took a fitness test prior to this game. When I asked him in practice whether he was fit, he assured me that he was 100 percent fit. His bowling today was brilliant."

Despite the poor score, Ponting expressed that he would have been proud of the team's second-half performance even if they lost.

Batting Disappointment, Bowling Commendation

Ponting minced no words regarding the team's disappointing batting performance.

"Our batting was weak. Shot selection and execution were not good. But as soon as we began bowling, things turned around. The team picked vital wickets and maintained pressure."

Constructing Confidence and Learning from Narrow Wins

Ponting pointed out that these matches construct confidence and character in the team.

"These type of wins teach players to have faith in themselves. I keep telling them that if we keep coming close and fail to finish games, the season gets away from us. Today, they held on and finished it."