Indian Premier League

IPL 2022: Need to believe we can win IPL title – Punjab Kings’ Odean Smith

Punjab Kings’ new recruit Odean Smith feels they need to believe they can win the IPL title for the first time after helping his team get off to a winning start against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on Sunday.

Smith was roped in for a whopping amount of INR six crores by PBKS in IPL 2022 mega auction and he was able to justify his price tag in the team’s opening clash.

The West Indies all-rounder could not execute the right line and length with the ball as he was taken for 52 runs in his quota of four overs. However, the hard-hitter was able to turn the match on its head with his blistering batting as he played a fine cameo of 8-ball 25. The right-hander scored one four and three maximums to get his team over the line.

Smith had the rub of the green on his side as he was dropped by Anuj Rawat after he had only got off the mark. He made RCB pay for that drop as Mohammed Siraj was taken for 25 runs in the 18th over. Smith was awarded the Player of the match for his cameo.

He said in the post-match presentation, “We were stressing on having a good start. We just needed to have that belief. Didn’t go so well with the bowling. I need to work on a few things. Batting was good as I helped my team to win. It was all about execution and I couldn’t and that’s why it went haywire. Punjab hasn’t won the title so far but we need to have the belief. We watched ’14 peaks’, 13 remain for us.”

On the other hand, Bhanuka Rajapaksha also played a key role in the run-chase as he scored 43 runs off 22 balls with the help of two fours and four sixes. The left-hander was able to take the attack against his Sri Lankan teammate Wanindu Hasaranga and it came off for PBKS.

Rajapaksha said after the game, “What we thought was that we’d just have a free hit. Shikhar wanted me to be aggressive although I had just come out to the middle. I knew how Hasaranga bowls. It was about knowing him and playing him for the last 4-5 years now. I bought my local knowledge and it worked. This win is a huge confidence booster. We watched this movie called ’14 Peaks’ and we have 14 games. Every game is a batter’s game. The credit should go to the bowlers to restrict them to 200. But in the middle-overs, we gave away around 130 runs in the last 8-9 overs. But I am sure the bowlers will come up with better plans in the future.”

Punjab Kings will look to continue the good show in the upcoming matches but they would look to pull up their socks in the bowling department. PBKS will next face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Friday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Aakash Chopra says India would find it difficult to accommodate Axar Patel after naming Shubman Gill as vice-captain for Asia Cup

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra reckons the team might find it difficult to play… Read More

August 22, 2025

Rahul Dravid picks Australian great as the toughest bowler he faced in his career

Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid named Australia’s legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath as the toughest… Read More

August 22, 2025

Khalid Jamil explains Sunil Chhetri’s exclusion from India preparatory camp

India’s newly appointed head coach Khalid Jamil has revealed why Sunil Chhetri has not been… Read More

August 22, 2025

Harry Maguire: Man United have turned down enquiries for me

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has confirmed that the club has turned down enquiries about… Read More

August 22, 2025

Mats Wilander reveals reason behind choosing Jannik Sinner as US Open favorite

Former World No.1 Mats Wilander has backed Jannik Sinner to defend his US Open title.… Read More

August 22, 2025

Ajinkya Rahane Steps Down as Mumbai Captain, Focuses on Batting Role Ahead of New Season

Veteran Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has announced his decision to step down as captain of… Read More

August 22, 2025