KKR scored 222/5 in 20 overs, where as RCB scored 221 in 20 overs.
So, finally KKR beat RCB by 1 run.
In another electrifying match this season, Kolkata Knight Riders maintained their composure to secure a nail-biting one-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens on Sunday (April 21).
Despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru cruising at one point with fifties from Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar, Andre Russell’s crucial over turned the tide by dismissing them both.
Dinesh Karthik and a late surge from Karn Sharma kept RCB in contention until the final ball.
However, Mitchell Starc’s wide yorker and Phil Salt’s acrobatic run out of Lockie Ferguson secured the win for KKR, earning them vital two points.
KKR ignites the pitch with Salt’s brilliance
As the sun beat down on the afternoon, Kolkata Knight Riders approached their batting innings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru with customary resolve, having been put in to bat by Faf du Plessis on a parched surface.
While Sunil Narine struggled to find his rhythm against RCB’s disciplined line and length, his partner, Salt, emerged as the beacon of aggression.
In a mere 14 balls, Salt’s explosive 48 not only defied RCB’s plans but also added another captivating Power Play score to KKR’s repertoire.
RCB Strikes Back with Wickets
Sunil Narine’s scratchy innings came to a halt courtesy of Yash Dayal’s cunning slower ball, resulting in a miscue to long-off.
Phil Salt’s aggressive knock was cut short agonizingly close to his fifty, as he found the fielder at deep mid-wicket.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s departure followed swiftly, falling victim to a stunning catch by Cameron Green at mid-wicket.
The momentum swung further in RCB’s favor when the Australian struck again, dismissing Venkatesh Iyer with a well-directed short ball.
In a dramatic turn, KKR went from a promising 56/0 to a precarious 97/4 within a mere 25 deliveries.
Shreyas, Rinku Steady the Ship; RCB Cling On
Despite losing wickets, the brisk run rate enabled Shreyas Iyer and Rinku Singh to build their partnership with relative ease.
They continued to accumulate runs, albeit with a hint of caution.
Both batsmen displayed aggression against spin, utilizing their footwork to dispatch the ball to the boundary.
However, Rinku’s innings came to an end when Cameron Green exploited a short ball to claim his wicket.
Shreyas managed to reach his first fifty of the season, but his innings concluded with a spectacular diving catch from Du Plessis at long-off.
Ramandeep Clinches the Perfect Ending
It’s a rare sight for a batsman to outshine Andre Russell in the final overs, especially with the West Indian powerhouse also at the crease.
However, Ramandeep Singh achieved just that, smashing a quickfire 24 off nine balls to push KKR’s total beyond the 220-run mark.
His explosive cameo came at a crucial juncture when RCB seemed poised to restrict KKR to a lower score.
While Russell contributed some runs, he couldn’t quite replicate his usual fluency.
Technology Foils Kohli’s Plans
With a daunting total to chase, RCB had no choice but to come out swinging from the start.
Virat Kohli set the aggressive tone with a commanding hook over fine leg against Harshit Rana in the opening over.
He continued to assert himself with a six off Mitchell Starc’s first over.
However, Kohli’s momentum was abruptly halted in Rana’s second over.
A high full toss forced Kohli to reassess his shot, resulting in a straightforward return catch.
Despite Kohli’s insistence on a waist-high no ball, replays showed he had stepped out of the crease.
Ultimately, the third umpire upheld the decision in favor of the bowler, forcing Kohli to depart.
Jacks, Patidar Shine in Spectacular Display
Following the early dismissals of both RCB openers, the team required other players to step up to the challenge.
Will Jacks, renowned for his explosive batting at the top of the order, rose to the occasion alongside Rajat Patidar.
Both batsmen showed no mercy to the pacers, while Patidar displayed equal proficiency against spin bowling.
Boundaries flowed freely, predominantly in the form of towering sixes, leaving KKR struggling to contain the scoring rate.
Together, Jacks and Patidar stitched together a magnificent partnership of 102 runs off just 48 balls, placing RCB’s chase firmly in cruise control.
Russell Displays Bowling Prowess
While Andre Russell is known for his explosive batting performances, today it was his bowling that made an immediate impact for KKR.
During a period when the home side found it challenging to stem the flow of runs, Russell emerged and made an instant impact by claiming two wickets in his very first over, dismissing both well-set batters.
Employing slower balls to great effect, Russell’s variations troubled the RCB batsmen, causing them to falter.
His double breakthroughs sparked a collapse for the visitors, shifting the momentum firmly in KKR’s favor.
Karthik’s Determination Drives Forward
Even facing a daunting target of 280-plus the previous night didn’t dampen Dinesh Karthik’s spirit, so facing 223 was simply another challenge to tackle head-on.
Despite his unwavering resolve to anchor the innings, Karthik found himself lacking support as he endeavored to steer the game towards a thrilling conclusion.
While his cameo featured a couple of exhilarating boundaries, the mounting pressure proved too much as he departed with 21 runs still required off seven deliveries.
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