PBKS Pacer Nathan Ellis Content With the Team’s ‘Complete Performance’ Against Rajasthan Royals

Cric News India IPL News 2025

May 16, 2024 0 841

Nathan Ellis, whose economical bowling helped PBKS defeat the Rajasthan Royals, opened up after the dominating win.

The Punjab Kings dealt a blow to the Rajasthan Royals’ chances of finishing in the top two of the IPL 2024 season with a convincing five-wicket victory at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday.

Australian pacer Nathan Ellis, returning to the side after Kagiso Rabada’s departure for injury and T20 World Cup preparation, played a key role in the win. “The wicket was slower than expected but still good for batting. I’m really happy for the guys to get a win; it’s been a tough tournament for us,” Ellis said at the post-match press conference.

Ellis explained that despite losing the toss, the Punjab Kings opted to bowl first, a decision that proved crucial. “We came in not sure whether to bat or bowl first, but we decided on bowling. Losing the toss wasn’t ideal, but I was happy with bowling first. It allowed us to set the tone for the match,” he said.

He noted that the powerplay overs were crucial for scoring, but neither team capitalised significantly. “I think batting-wise, the powerplay was the best time to score, and we both probably didn’t have the greatest power players. And then from there, the ball got a little bit softer, and both teams lost wickets,” Ellis explained.

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Ellis himself was the most economical bowler for the Punjab Kings, finishing with figures of 1/24 in his four overs, including the important wicket of in-form Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson.

Ellis will be next seen donning the Punjab Kings jersey in his team’s last match of the IPL 2024 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 19th.