Wasim Akram believes KKR’s attack has been ‘exceptional’ this season

Sport360 staff 21:37 13/05/2015
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  • Guiding hand: Akram is pleased with the quality in KKR’s attack.

    Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling mentor Wasim Akram is delighted with the way his bowlers have performed in the tournament and he expects them to step up as the defending champions press for a top two-finish in the league.

    Kolkata have won their last three games to be in contention for the playoffs but they cannot afford any slip-ups in their remaining two games, beginning with the away clash against Mumbai Indians on Thursday.

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    All six teams, battling for top four spots, are in with a chance but current leaders Chennai Super Kings (16 points from 13 games) and Kolkata (15 points from 12 games) are in a relatively safer zone.

    However, both teams will be keen to win their remaining games to seal a top-two spot as the teams finishing first and second get more than one opportunity to make the final in the playoffs.

    It is a must-win game for Mumbai who are placed sixth with 12 points from 12 games and Akram knows the hosts will be coming hard at his team.

    “We are playing Mumbai Indians in their own den. They are in good nick – they won five on the trot before losing their last game and I think the pressure will be equal on both sides,” he said.

    In a format where batsmen hold sway, Kolkata bowlers have stood out with their variations and have evolved well, feels Akram. “KKR’s bowling is exceptional and my job is very easy.

    “The spinners as well as fast bowlers are getting wickets. We have seen a lot more variations from the bowlers as compared to the last couple of years. That means the bowlers are also evolving.”

    “When you have fast bowlers like Umesh Yadav, Morne Morkel, Andre Russell and Azhar Mahmood and spinners like Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla, Brad Hogg and Shakib Al Hasan, there is not much you have to do as a coach.” he added

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