KKR vs PBKS Review – Russell & Rinku help Kolkata win a last-ball thriller
Kolkata Knight Riders emerged victorious against Punjab Kings by five wickets to register their fifth win of the season. Notably, the two-time winners squared off against PBKS at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata in match 53 of the ongoing IPL 2023 on Monday, May 8.
Opting to bat first, Shikhar Dhawan’s Punjab lost wickets at regular intervals as they were reduced to 53/3 in the powerplay (first six overs). While Harshit Rana got two wickets in the form of Prabhsimran Singh (12 off 8 balls) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s (third-ball duck) dismissals. Varun Chakaravarthy got the prized scalp of Liam Livingstone for 15 off nine balls.
However, Dhawan kept the scoreboard ticking and notched up his fifty off 41 balls and raised a vital stand with Jitesh Sharma of 53 runs for the fourth wicket. Soon after Dhawan’s dismissal by his counterpart Nitish Rana, which included nine fours and one six in his 57 off 47 balls, Shahrukh Khan played a blazing cameo to steer the side to attain 179 runs. Coming down the order, Shahrukh scored an unbeaten 21 off eight balls featuring three fours and a maximum.
In reply, Jason Roy hit the ground running as he got eight fours in his innings before departing for 38 off 24 balls at a strike rate of 158.33. However, skipper Nitish carved out a well-built knock which kept KKR steady in the chase, and raised a 51-run stand with Venkatesh Iyer.
Nitish notched up his second half-century in the IPL 2023, scoring 51 off 37 but was sent packing the next ball by Rahul Chahar. Though Punjab got quite a few breakthroughs and took the match down to the wire, it was Rinku Singh’s boundary in the final ball that clinched the two points for KKR, thereby winning the game by five wickets.
Top performers from the match
Varun Chakravarthy: The KKR spinner recorded a three-wicket haul in the first innings as he got the crucial scalps of Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Rishi Dhawan. Moreover, Varun only gave away 26 runs in his four overs at an impressive economy of 6.50.
Andre Russell: After the half-century by Nitish Rana, explosive hitter Andre Russell rose to the occasion and hammered 42 runs off 23 balls. His knock included three sixes and as many fours at a stunning strike rate of 182.60.
What’s next for both teams?
Kolkata Knight Riders square off against Rajasthan Royals on Thursday, May 11 whereas Punjab will lock horns with Delhi Capitals on Saturday, May 13.
