IPL 2023: They kept us in the game – Hardik Pandya on bowling effort of Noor Ahmad and Joshua Little after win against KKR

Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya lauded the bowling performance of Noor Ahmad and Joshua Little after their seven-wicket win against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday. KKR were restricted to 179-7 despite a blistering knock of 81 runs from only 39 balls by Ramanullah Gurbaz.

On a day when wily leg-spinner Rashid Khan was taken for 54 runs in his quota of four overs, his compatriot Noor Ahmad and Joshua Little returned with impressive figures. Ahmad and Little conceded only 46 runs in the eight overs they bowled collectively and took a total of four wickets.

Little had figures of 2-25 whereas Ahmad took 2-21 in his fine spell. The Irish bowler accounted for Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana while Ahmad dismissed Rinku Singh and a well-settled Ramanullah Gurbaz.

Thus, both of them played a key role in keeping KKR to a sub-par score of 179 runs on the board.

Hardik Pandya said in the post-match presentation, “They got us back into the game and kept us in the game (on Noor and Little), because the way Gurbaz batted, we were bowling good balls, but it was a long time I saw a batter playing with such conviction and clarity of thought. I would have taken 180 on that pitch especially after someone had made a 39-ball 81. Down the line in the group, we know that we’ll have to play good cricket to win the game, that’s the humbleness which has kept us in good stead. Everyone wants to contribute, but they accept difficult positions and want to come out on top. It’s all about playing good cricket consistently, irrespective of a win or a loss.”

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya also lauded Vijay Shankar for his unbeaten knock of 51 runs from only 24 balls. Shankar has been in amazing form in the ongoing season as he has scored 199 runs in six matches at an average of 49.75 and a strike rate of 165.83.

Pandya added, “He’s fitter, more confident and the amount of hard work he’s done is terrific. Going forward, you’ll see a lot of Vijay Shankar, I always believe in my life that good guys go to good places, I’m very happy.”

Gujarat Titans will next take on Delhi Capitals on Tuesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.