PSL 2018: Brendon McCullum reveals the reason for not bowling Narine in the Super Over

Pakistan Super League witnessed the first ever tied match in its history as Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United played out a thriller. The result of the game was decided by Super Over as the latter side trumped Qalandars to keep them winless in the tournament even after four matches. However, the match was in the hands of Brendon McCullum led side and only they had to blame themselves for losing the match. Also, many raised questions over their tactics as they didn’t give the bowling to Sunil Narine in the super over.

Instead of Narine, they handed over the ball to Mustafizur Rahman who failed to defend 15 under pressure. Though the catch was dropped by the skipper McCullum himself of Andre Russell, the left-arm pacer also bowled the wide ball which cost the team in the end. In the presentation ceremony, the former New Zealand cricketer was visibly disappointed after the loss and also revealed the reason for not giving the ball to Narine.

Baz reveals the reason

Sunil Narine had returned with the magical figures of 0/10 after four overs with the ball in hand and naturally, the question popped up in the post-match presentation. Brendon McCullum then revealed that the ball wasn’t turning as much as it did during the first innings and hence they went with Mustafizur. “Mustafizur and Sunil Narine were our two options for the super over. It wasn’t turning as much as it was in the first innings and Mustafizur is one of the best in the death overs. It was also my fault for not taking that catch in the deep,” he said.

He also praised the likes of Mohammad Sami and Andre Russell for keeping their composure during the crunch moments in the game. “It is never nice losing and we are very disappointed in the change room. But it was a thrilling game of T20, only disappointed to come out on the wrong side of it. I thought it was a difficult wicket and as a leader you’ve got to take some responsibility and take the game deep. You have to credit the opposition, Sami and Russell bowled really well; Misbah lead superbly too,” Baz added.

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