It was a debut match for Aussie player Xavier Bartlett in the Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders clash, and there were major changes in the PBKS lineup today. With Marcus Stoinis and Lockie Ferguson sitting out, it was Bartlett’s chance to stand out—and he did just that. He scored 11 runs off 15 balls at the end of the first innings, helping PBKS reach a target of 112. On the bowling side, the pacer took the first wicket of KKR opener Quinton de Kock, dismissing him for just 2 runs. While this is just the beginning, Bartlett has already made his mark in the Australian team.
The Aussie Debutant
While his IPL season has kicked off with a bang, Bartlett brings valuable experience from the Australian circuit. In the Big Bash League with Brisbane Heat, he delivered impressive performances, securing a total of 60 wickets in 48 innings, with an average of 22.6 and an economy rate of 8.49. Across 64 T20 games, he has claimed 80 wickets with an economy rate of 8.37.
Bartlett continued his brilliance in T20 Internationals, taking 11 wickets in seven games with an average of 14.72. Last year, after being ruled out of playing in the County Championship for Kent due to a No Objection Certificate issue, he was signed to play the first eight matches of the T20 Blast competition for Kent Spitfires. He ended up as their top wicket-taker, claiming 20 wickets at an average of 14.70, and was named Brisbane Heat’s Player of the Tournament.