PBKS 111/10 in 15.3 Overs [Prabsimran Singh 30(15); Harshit Rana 3/25 in 3 Overs, Sunil Narine 2/14 in 3 Overs] beat KKR 95/10 in 15.1 Overs [Angkrish Raghuvanshi 37(28); Yuzvendra Chahal 4/28 in 4 Overs] by 16 runs

The Kolkata Knight Riders locked horns with the Punjab Kings in a much-anticipated contest in Mullanpur. Two sides who were in similar positions on the points table squared off against each other, however KKR were coming off a thumping victory and PBKS off an a significant loss. KKR aimed to continue their momentum and pick up the two important points. With lots of confidence and a spring in their step, Knights moved towards the challenge and were gunning to take the field.

After opting to bowl first, KKR bowlers started off in a commanding fashion with tight lines and lengths. It was Harshit Rana who drew first blood as he knocked over Priyansh Arya and the opposition skipper Shreyas Iyer, both in his first over. This over from Harshit, turned the tide completely in KKR’s favour. In the next couple of overs, Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit picked up two more wickets as the Kings reduced to 54/4 in the powerplay itself. It was all KKR throughout the remainder of the innings, as Sunil Narine and Varun spun a web around the PBKS batters and didn’t allow any respite to the opposition. Eventually PBKS were skittled at a modest total of 111 with KKR aiming to chase the target down and picking up the victory.

KKR faced a stuttering start to the run-chase as they lost their openers early in an attempt to up the ante. Youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi and skipper Ajinkya Rahane steadied the innings while they continued to bat with positive intent. At one stage, KKR were cruising to the total, however the wicket of captain Rahane shifted the momentum towards PBKS. That wicket triggered a collapse as Yuzvendra Chahal bowled a masterful spell. KKR were reduced from 62/3 to 76/7 in no time, as they stared at the pending runs to get. However, Andre Russell managed to turn things around momentarily as he attacked Chahal to get closer to the target. Despite Russell’s efforts KKR fell 16 short of the total as PBKS picked up the victory. KKR will be aiming to get back to the drawing board and turn things around in their next game.