Kolkata Knight Riders scored 223/6 in 20 overs, where as Rajasthan Royals scored 224/8 in 20 overs.
So, finally Rajasthan Royals beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 2 wickets.
Jos Buttler blazed a century – his second of the season – nullifying Sunil Narine’s first triple-figure score in the tournament and setting the stage for the joint-highest run-chase in IPL history.
Despite Narine’s stellar 109 off 56 balls for KKR, backed by their formidable 200-plus total, it was Buttler’s brilliance that turned the tide, coupled with a breathtaking display of power hitting in the final six overs, during which RR amassed a staggering 96 runs.
Let’s delve into those pivotal six overs:
The game hung in the balance with KKR holding the advantage.
Buttler, though not at his peak, launched a spectacular onslaught, smashing four boundaries off Varun CV’s previously tidy bowling.
Rovman Powell joined the onslaught, slamming a six off Andre Russell in the 16th over, which yielded 17 runs, and then unleashed a flurry of boundaries against Narine, shifting the pressure back onto KKR.
Despite Narine dismissing Powell, Buttler remained, navigating RR’s lengthy tail.
With 46 needed off 18 balls, Mitchell Starc returned to the attack only to be ruthlessly punished by Buttler.
The over commenced with a six, featured the run-out of Trent Boult, yet concluded with RR plundering 18 more runs from it.
Harshit Rana, usually reliable in the death overs for KKR, faltered against Buttler, conceding two sixes and a four in the 19th over, reducing the equation to a mere 9 off 6 balls.
Buttler’s heroics continued, smashing a crucial six off Varun’s bowling to bring it down to 3 off 5.
Despite Varun’s attempt to contain Buttler, a full toss on the fifth ball resulted in 2 runs, leaving Buttler just one run shy of victory.
With nerves of steel, Buttler secured the win with a resounding six over long-on on the final delivery, completing a sensational turnaround for RR.
Now, let’s rewind to the beginning:
Phil Salt was given an early lifeline, surviving a dropped catch by Riyan Parag at point, before falling victim to an exceptional return catch by Avesh Khan.
However, KKR started strongly, reaching 26/1 in the first four overs.
Narine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi accelerated, particularly targeting Trent Boult, who had been economical in the Power Play in previous matches but conceded 24 runs in three overs.
Narine’s assault on Kuldeep Sen in the sixth over signaled the remarkable innings that followed.
Despite a forgettable outing for RR spinners:
Narine continued his dominance against R Ashwin, scoring 34 off 17 balls, exploiting the off-side field set by Ashwin.
Yuzvendra Chahal claimed his 199th IPL wicket but endured his worst figures, conceding 54 runs, including a costly 23 in his final over against Narine.
Ashwin’s wicketless streak extended to five games as he conceded 49 runs, further denting RR’s hopes.
As KKR set a formidable total:
After Narine’s century, Andre Russell aimed to further propel KKR’s innings but was curtailed by Avesh Khan, who dismissed him for a quickfire 13 runs.
Rinku Singh and Venkatesh Iyer provided a late surge, adding 25 runs in the last two overs, guiding KKR to a daunting total of 223/6.
However, RR’s response was equally emphatic:
Buttler and Parag provided a blistering start, notching up RR’s best Power Play score of the season with 76/1.
Despite losing wickets, including Parag’s aggressive cameo, RR remained on track, with Buttler anchoring the innings.
The middle overs posed a challenge:
Narine’s dismissal of Jurel and Varun’s double blow to Ashwin and Hetmyer seemed to tilt the game in KKR’s favor.
However, Buttler’s masterclass thwarted KKR’s plans, steering RR to a remarkable victory.
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