McCullum blasts bowlers after sixth consecutive defeat

DUBAI: Lahore Qalandars’ captain Brendon McCullum blamed his bowlers for the sixth successive defeat in the Pakistan Super League third edition as his side was easily defeated by Islamabad United in Dubai on Thursday.

Lahore rode on a brilliant 62 by opener Anton Devcich on PSL debut but still managed to score 163, losing their last eight wickets for a mere 62 runs in a customary collapse.

Devcich’s New Zealand team-mate Luke Ronchi blasted 41-ball 77 with six sixes and five boundaries to help Islamabad reach the target in 17.4 overs.

Lahore now face exit and need to win all their four games and hope other teams also lose on the way to the play-offs.

McCullum, who made a brisk 12-ball 33, blamed bowlers for not executing the plan.

“We bowled poorly and I am pretty disappointed with the bowling performance,” said McCullum after the match.

“We did well with the bat and Devcich was hungry. Young guys might get an opportunity with us out of the contention,” added the Qalandars’ skipper.

McCullum, however, accepted the blame for consistent failure.

“Ultimately as captain, you are responsible for the performances. I have done what I have done with other teams as captain but it has not resonated,” said the New Zealand great.