How did the IPL preliminaries end?
IPL league stage finally got over on 5/22/2022 and the first of the playoffs is scheduled for 5/24 between the Group Toppers Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals, who came second. In the last match, Punjab Kings got the better of Sun Risers Hyderabad. Looking at how both the teams progressed, both didn't exhibit champion qualities. Both teams were short out for scores of less than 100 runs. Even if they had qualified for the last four, it wouldn't have been much deserving. For Punjab Kings, the consolation is that they ended up at Number 6, behind Delhi Capitals. They have always been an also ran team, capable of playing spoilsport to leading teams chances. That role was effectively played by Mumbai Indians when they defeated Delhi Capitals.
Sun Risers Hyderabad after winning 5 matches in the first leg, won only one match in the second leg. Any team that loses three matches consecutively doesn't deserve a place in the playoffs. It was in a case justified. Pity that Natarajan's form seemed to give away towards the closing stages of the league phase as he didn't play 3 matches. He did take around 17 wickets but still could have done far better. It remains to be seen if he can qualify for World T20 Championship. Let's hope he qualifies.
#SRHVsPK #IPL2022 #IPL
For full details:
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/indian-premier-league-2022-1298423/match-results
