At the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, KKR sent the Lucknow Super Giants to bat first in the opening of Match No. 21 of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
As the visiting team’s top order went all guns blazing, LSG put up a solid total of 238/3 in the first innings, making the decision to take the pitch first appear to have been a mistake.
The KKR hitters, on the other hand, began the chasing innings with a resolute attitude and did not waste any loose balls. His deputy, Venkatesh Iyer, followed in the footsteps of skipper Ajinkya Rahane. In the centre, the two played a flawless connection that practically carried the team to victory. But the visitors ultimately won the thrilling final over.
Talking Points
1. Sufficient top order for the Super Giants
After the Proteas were dismissed, a Caribbean storm stormed the Eden as Nicholas Pooran thundered his way to a knock that contained eight sixes and seven boundaries. The first stand between Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh lasted for 99 runs, but the two created an outstanding platform. Despite losing just three wickets during the innings, LSG amassed a massive total thanks to the combined 10 runs scored by middle-order players Abdul Samad and David Miller, who played just eight deliveries.
2. Jinks-ed Pant & Co.
When the Maharashtra-born batsman walked out to bat in the second innings, Jinks, as the KKR captain is affectionately known, looked his charming best. With eight boundaries and a handful of sixes, the star batsman scored 61 runs at an incredible pace while facing 35 balls. In addition, the pack leader and vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer, who scored 45 off 29, formed a crucial partnership for the third wicket.
3. Good start, but poor finish!
When Rinku Singh was at the crease with 24 needed off the final over, delivered by Ravi Bishnoi, it came down to the wire. Rinku struck a couple of boundaries and a six off the final ball while facing three balls in the over. Unfortunately, KKR lost by four runs in the end despite the six. Although Pant’s decision to give a leg-spinner the final over was hazardous, it ultimately paid off because LSG avoided becoming the target of a Rinku Singh finish.
Who Said What?
Ajinkya Rahane, KKR captain, said
A really tight one. As I said at the toss, the wicket would remain very good. No complaints, in the end we fought hard but just four runs short. See when you’re chasing 230-plus you are bound to lose wickets, that’s completely normal. The intent and how everyone played was amazing. If batters took a little bit of time, it was a great wicket to bat on. Varun and Sunil normally dominate the middle overs, but today Sunil was travelling. It was tough for the bowlers.
Rishabh Pant, LSG captain, said
I think when we batted we didn’t realise but after the powerplay we knew it would be really close. After the first powerplay, we spoke with the bowlers about sticking to the plan and not trying to do too much. [On slowing the game down] Definitely it was a conscious decision because when the game is running at that pace, you have to slow it down. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I am happy it worked today. [On Samad at No. 4] I think [left-right combination] was the idea, given the spinners they had.
Nicholas Pooran, Player of the Match, said
[On his six-hitting] I’ve been asked this a million times. I practice a lot. Everything you’re seeing in the game, it’s because of the practice. At the moment it’s just flowing really nicely. YOu understand what’s needed in a game. Guys are bowling full and wide, short balls, spinners are bowling straight. So you work on that. [On the opening stand] Through the tournament Eden and Mitch have been brilliant for us. They’re batting so good in partnerships. They are dropping their egos and playing the situation. And I am really happy with how we are doing as a batting unit. [On his role at No. 3] The role is just to get a start and carry on capitalising on my match-ups. I’ve been scoring consistently now and as the opportunity continues to present itself, I want to enjoy it.
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