Middle order didn't capitalise on good start: KKR's Lynn

Mumbai, April 29: Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Chris Lynn said the team’s middle-order batsmen not capitalising on the good start given by openers Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa was a vital reason behind their six-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians.

Batting first, KKR posted a competitive 174/5 in 20 overs, thanks to skipper Gambhir’s 45-ball 59. Uthappa (20-ball 36) and Gambhir shared a 69-run stand in 7.4 overs but the latter batsmen failed to score at a fast clip.

In reply, riding on skipper Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 68 alongside Kieron Pollard’s quick-fire 17-ball 51 not out, the hosts chased down the target comfortably posting 178/4 with two overs to spare.

“I think, first probably we were 15 (runs) short with the bat and like we got off to a great start, didn’t really capitalise on the platform that we set it,” Lynn said at the post match press conference here on Thursday.

“That’s probably it and in terms of our bowling we did not execute to our plans and potential and in T20 cricket if you miss the lengths you see the bowl fly out of the park which is what happened.”

The Australian also said that the team will bounce back in their next game against Delhi Daredevils.

“It’s not the end of the world, we are going to show a turround, that’s the beauty of IPL, turn against Delhi in two days time. I am sure we will bounce back nicely,” he said optimistically. IANS