Last Update on: May 9th, 2023 at 12:29 am
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS). It was the sensational knock from Andre Russell of 42 runs in 23 balls that helped the side seal the win. Andre Russell was seen struggling to clear the phase at the start but later unleashed an attack against Sam Curran in the 19th over and smashed 3 sixes which changed the complexion.
KKR almost made a mess of the target when they required 7 runs to win from the last over. Arshdeep Singh tried his best to defend 7 runs but Rinku Singh once again become the match-winner for the hosts. Rinku Singh struck a boundary on the last ball when the side required 2 runs to win the contest.
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It was a collective effort from KKR’s batting lineup. Jason Roy was quite aggressive in the power-play overs and played a stunning knock of 38 runs in 24 balls and struck 8 fours. The skipper Nitish Rana played a calm and composed knock of 51 runs in 38 balls and struck 6 fours and 1 six.
The side didn’t panic even when Nitish Rana was dismissed in the 16th over by Rahul Chahar as at that time the hosts required 56 runs to win from 28 balls. Rinku Singh and Andre Russell made sure that they don’t play a string of dot balls and rotated strike on a consistent basis. Sam Curran had a forgettable outing as he gave away 44 runs in his 3 overs.
Also Read: KKR vs PBKS: “Nitish Rana Has Earned His Respect In The Dressing Room”: Venkatesh Iyer
Earlier PBKS posted 179-7. Shikhar Dhawan struck a spectacular knock of 57 runs in 47 balls but couldn’t accelerate against the spinners in the middle overs. The skipper couldn’t get ample support from the rest of the batters as not a single one scored 25 odd runs. The shrewd spinner Varun Chakaravarthy was the wrecker in chief who took 3 wickets and conceded 26 runs in his 4-over spell.
IPL 2023 | India National Cricket Team | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | Delhi Capitals (DC) | Gujarat Titans (GT) | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) | Mumbai Indians (MI) | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH)
KKR fans would sense that they now have a strong chance of making it to the playoffs as they are placed in 5th position on the points table with 10 points from 11 matches with an NRR of -0.07. On the other side, PBKS have got a wake-up call who are languishing in the 7th position with 10 points from 11 matches and an NRR of -0.44.
Feeling good now- Andre Russell
During the post-match presentation, Andre Russell opened up on the 5th ball of the final over when he & Rinku Singh ran a single but Andre Russell was run out at the non-striker’s end. Russell praised Rinku Singh and stated that he had faith in the left-handed batter.
“We already thought about it, the ball was gripping so we just wanted to stick it out. They miss their lengths and we could swing it around. Needing 30 off the final two, it was very gettable. I flicked one into the stands without really swinging at it. And that six over point put the icing on the cake,” said Andre Russell.
“I wanted to finish the game off, but we have a finisher this year in Rinku. He had told me what if the ball beats you, should we go for the run? I said for sure, I have faith in him to finish it last ball. I get goosebumps seeing him doing what he’s been doing,” he stated.
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“I have company at the back end, he soaks the pressure off and he’s been year for years, a really hard-working guy. He’s very funny outside the field, I try to stay as close to him while we are training. Feeling good, now!!” he added.
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