New Chandigarh, April 11 (NationPress) Assistant coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS), Brad Haddin, expressed that the team has not yet showcased their full potential, even after achieving a solid six-wicket victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 17th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 held at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Sunday.

“It's great to note that we haven’t played our best cricket yet. We haven’t fully combined all aspects of our game, yet we are securing the outcomes we desire. As the tournament progresses, our goal is to elevate our performance,” Haddin remarked to the broadcasters post-match.

The Punjab Kings successfully chased down a daunting target of 220 runs in merely 18.5 overs, courtesy of explosive innings from Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, alongside a steady, unbeaten performance from their captain Shreyas Iyer.

The match featured both teams showcasing aggressive batting during the Power-play, resulting in a thrilling high-scoring affair from the outset. “I certainly wouldn't want to be a bowler during those first six overs. It was a match where everyone got their money’s worth—definitely entertaining,” Haddin pointed out.

He also highlighted that the tide of the match shifted during the middle overs when PBKS regained control. “One thing we excelled at after those initial six overs was maintaining our composure and regaining momentum in the middle overs. Observing both teams during that phase, that’s where the match was decided,” he explained.

Previously, Sunrisers Hyderabad had set a strong total of 219 runs, with significant contributions from Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, who propelled the team past the 100-run mark within the Power-play. However, the bowlers from PBKS managed to restrict them by taking crucial wickets during the middle stage.

Haddin praised the team's ability to stay calm and focused under pressure. “Ricky emphasized this to the players. They understand their strategies and need to remain composed. While you may feel anxious internally, it’s vital to stick to your plans and execute them. If an opportunity arises, we capitalize on it, which we did during those middle overs,” he noted.

“Our discussions revolve around ensuring that as we approach the latter part of the tournament, we are synchronizing all three phases of our game. It’s gradually coming together now,” Haddin concluded.

With this victory, PBKS has maintained their unbeaten streak this season, amassing seven points from four matches, with one match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) being abandoned due to rain. The 2025 runners-up are set to face Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 16 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.