IPL 2023: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings, Match 53 – Talking Points and Who Said What?

Courtesy of a boundary off the ultimate ball by Rinku Singh, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) gained the competition by 5 wickets in opposition to Punjab Kings (PBKS), In doing so, KKR claimed their fifth win of the IPL 2023 season on the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, on Monday, Could 8.

Punjab posted a aggressive first-innings rating of 179 runs of their stipulated 20 overs of the competition. Nevertheless, instrumental knocks by Nitish Rana and Andre Russell and the final-ball heroics by Rinku Singh helped KKR win the high-octane contest.

Listed below are the Speaking Factors from the KKR vs PBKS clash-

Shikhar Dhawan registers fifty in Punjab’s 179

Within the first innings, Punjab misplaced the early wickets after deciding to bat first, upon profitable the toss. Nevertheless, skipper Shikhar Dhawan carved out a fragile knock as he obtained 57 off 47 balls, which included 9 fours and one six. Along with this, the southpaw stitched an vital partnership with Jitesh Sharma, because the pair added 53 runs for the fourth wicket. Punjab finally scored 179 runs for the lack of seven wickets of their stipulated 20 overs.

Varun Chakaravarthy data a formidable bowling spell

The spinner was at his deadly greatest as he not solely obtained the breakthroughs but additionally helped limit the rival batting unit from scoring the large runs. In his 4 overs, Varun obtained the vital wickets of Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Rishi Dhawan, as he recorded a three-wicket haul and gave mere 26 runs, concluding with a surprising economic system of 6.50.

Nitish-Russell play important knocks, Rinku proves his mettle but once more within the ultimate ball

Throughout the chase, Punjab obtained the early scalp of wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 15 runs. Nevertheless, skipper Nitish Rana performed an instrumental knock and mixed with Venkatesh Iyer for an vital stand of 51 runs for the third wicket. Rana notched up his half-century off 37 balls however headed again to the pavilion on the very subsequent ball, getting dismissed by Rahul Chahar.

What adopted was blazing knocks by Andre Russell and Rinku Singh which steered KKR to a possible win. The Caribbean explosive hitter clobbered 42 off 23 balls, which included three sixes and three boundaries. Nevertheless, because the match went all the way down to the final ball, Rinku (21* off 10 balls) confirmed nerves of metal and slammed a boundary to safe two important factors for KKR.

Shedding skipper, Shikhar Dhawan said-

“Not feeling that nice. We misplaced the sport and it was not a simple monitor to bat on and I really feel that we placed on an excellent whole. On the finish, they performed properly. [Bowling Arshdeep in the final over] It was nice, phenomenal effort from Arshdeep and the way in which he has bounced again from the final recreation, all credit score goes to him. It was fairly attention-grabbing that he took the sport to the final ball so it was actually good. [Asked about conceding so many runs in consecutive games] I really feel that we do not have an excellent offspinner. When left-handers come, from one finish we now have a legspinner and on the different finish we now have a left-arm spinner. In order that’s the place I really feel we’re leaking a little bit of runs. This wicket was providing flip as properly so I really feel that is the place we took the hit.”

Successful skipper, Nitish Rana said-

After I was batting, I needed to carry one finish. Venky had an issue along with his ankle so we have been making an attempt to get one huge over right here and there. 10 matches have gone, we have been all ready for that one Russell innings to return. He was one innings away, I saved backing him saying you may have accomplished so much, and you’ll 100% win us a recreation. This pitch was a really feel of house benefit as properly. Our bowlers bowled badly on the dying, I used to be offended that we conceded that many as a result of this was a 160-165 run wicket. I simply hold telling him, imagine in your self as a result of what you may have achieved is one thing not many individuals will. When he was batting, the entire crowd was chanting ‘Rinku, Rinku’. That’s what he has earned this yr.

Participant of the Match, Andre Russell said-

We already considered it, the ball was gripping so we simply needed to stay it out. They miss their lengths and we might swing it round. Needing 30 off the ultimate two, it was very obtainable. I flicked one into the stands with out actually swinging at it. And that six over level put the icing on the cake. I needed to complete the sport off, however we now have a finisher this yr in Rinku. (On Rinku) He had informed me what if the ball beats you, ought to we go for the run? I mentioned for positive, I place confidence in him to complete it final ball. I get goosebumps seeing him doing what he is been doing. I’ve firm on the again finish, it soaks the stress off and he is been right here for years now, a very hard-working man. He is very humorous outdoors the sector, I attempt to keep as near him whereas we’re coaching. Feeling good, now!!