On Wednesday, Kolkata Knight Riders emerged victorious over Royal Challengers Bangalore by a margin of 21 runs, marking their return to winning ways in the IPL.
Despite chasing a target of 201 runs, RCB could only manage 179 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Varun Chakravarthy was the standout performer for KKR, taking 3 wickets for 27 runs, while Suyash Sharma and Andre Russell also contributed with two wickets each.
Although Virat Kohli played well, scoring 54 runs off 37 balls with six fours, his efforts were in vain as the rest of the RCB batting lineup failed to support him and forge partnerships.
One bright spot for RCB was Mahipal Lomror, who scored 34 runs off 18 balls with three sixes and a four while adding 55 runs with Kohli for the fourth wicket.
KKR’s impact substitute Suyash Sharma also had a good outing, snaffling the wickets of Faf du Plessis and Shahbaz Ahmed inside the powerplay to return with figures of 4-0-30-2.
Russell also contributed to KKR’s victory by dismissing Kohli and Wanindu Hasaranga and taking two wickets for 29 runs.
Andre Russell contributed with the ball by bagging two wickets but has once again failed to score runs –
We really needed that victory. Have been under the pump last couple of games. Batting first tonight, we know once we get a good total on the board – runs on the board is pressure. Our goal was to keep their powerplay under 55. We were able to pull it back in the middle. Batting first or batting second comes down to the amount of runs you’re setting up, and the dew factor. Once I get the ball I try to do my best. Have been struggling in patches with the bat. Still confident, still know what to do. Got a really good yorker, credit to Siraj. Recovery is important to me. The older I get, the more experienced, the more I look after my body.
