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Published 29 Feb, 2024 12:13am

Karachi’s Du Plooy says powerplays crucial on Karachi pitch

Karachi Kings batsman Leus du Plooy said on Tuesday that his team managed to stage a fightback against Islamabad United in their clash on Wednesday but were hampered by their start.

United had chased down the 166-run target set by the Kings with nine balls to spare in the Pakistan Super League game in Karachi’s National Stadium on Wednesday.

“We probably lacked a bit in all departments. If I look at the batting side, the trend in Karachi is that it is easier to play in the powerplay and it gets tough in the middle overs,” Plooy said in the post-match press conference.

“I thought they (United) played the powerplay really well with bat and bowl. Looking back, thats probably where we could have done better,” he added.

“We managed to fight back with the ball but our start just wasn’t good enough.”

Batting at No.3, the South African batsman made 24 runs of 15 balls including four boundaries.

He acknowledged that conditions impact cricket strategy, but he tried to do the same thing he has always done.

The South African also added that Karachi’s pitch contains very subtle changes from the rest of the country.

Du Plooy, who made his PSL debut on Wednesday, said that Karachi’s game had less attendance compared to games in Multan and Lahore, but the energy was evident.

“It will be great to have the home crowd backing us because even with half full, you get the home vibe and the falvour they bring,” he said.

He also said that he was excited to be a part of the PSL and had heard about it from Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur. He added that the talent coming out of Pakistan was ‘incredible’.

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