Indian Premier League 9: KKR's target was within our reach but last over turned the game, says Axar Patel

New Delhi: After his team's yet another loss in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kings XI Punjab all-rounder Axar Patel said that the target set by Kolkata Knight Riders was within their reach but the last over bowled by Andre Russell changed the complexion of the game.

Punjab needed 12 runs to win off the last six balls and with two set batsmen in Axar (20) and Gurkeerat (10) at the crease, they looked all set to register their third win of the tournament.

But that was not the case as KXIP lost three wickets in the final over, including two run-outs of both the set batsman, while Swapnil Singh was bowled by Russell.

"Russell did well in the fielding and ran me out, we lost three wickets in the last over and the match got of our hands," Axar told reporters at the post-match press conference.

"We were satisfied with our bowling, the target was within our reach. We also did well in the death overs. We were keeping in mind a target of about 170-175. But it was difficult to recover from being three down (in 3.1 overs) and the run rate slowed down. If you don't have wickets in hand, you feel the pressure in the end."

Axar played a brilliant 7-ball 21 cameo, but Punjab fell short by 7 runs, which meant KKR were back on top in points table.