KKR registered a dominant 18-run win over the Mumbai Indians after rain caused a 16-over revised gameplay.
Rain interrupted the much-anticipated KKR vs.MI clash at Eden Gardens, forcing a reduction to a 16-over contest. The Mumbai Indians, who won the toss, opted to field first. Jasprit Bumrah immediately put the KKR batters under pressure, dismissing the dangerous Sunil Narine for a golden duck. Phil Salt followed soon after, departing for just 6 runs thanks to Thushara’s bowling. Captain Shreyas Iyer also struggled, managing only 7 runs before being dismissed.
However, the tide began to turn with the arrival of Venkatesh Iyer. His aggressive knock of 42 runs from just 21 balls injected much-needed momentum into the KKR innings. Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh all chipped in with valuable contributions, helping KKR reach a respectable total of 157 runs within their allotted overs.
Alongside a valiant bowling effort from Bumrah (2 wickets for 39 runs) and Piyush Chawla (2 wickets for 28 runs), Anshul Kamboj and Nuwan Thushara also played their part for MI by taking crucial wickets throughout the innings.
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The KKR bowlers rose to the challenge in their defence of 158 runs. MI’s openers, Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma, provided a solid start with a 65-run partnership. However, their dismissals in quick succession, in the 7th and 8th overs, triggered a dramatic collapse. The MI batting lineup crumbled like a house of cards. Big names like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Tim David all fell cheaply. Only Tilak Verma (32) offered some resistance in the middle overs, trying to revive the chase. Naman Dhir briefly reignited hope for MI with a quickfire 17 off just 6 deliveries, but it was in vain.
The bowling attack for KKR was impressive throughout. Spinners Varun Chakaravarthy picked two wickets while Sunil Narine picked up one wicket. Andre Russell also contributed with two wickets. However, Harshit Rana (34-2) held his nerve in the final over and defended 22 runs, securing a crucial 18-run victory for KKR.
Last Updated on May 11, 2024
