Kolkata Knight Riders have won yet another game to keep their playoffs hope alive after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 54 runs.
Shreyas Iyer won the toss and decided to bat first.
While Venkatesh Iyer couldn’t do much with the bat, Ajinkya Rahane and Nitish Rana put the KKR innings back on track.
It was the 50+ run partnership between Andre Russell and Sam Billings that powered KKR to 177/6.
Sunrisers Hyderabad needed 178 runs to win the contest.
Abhishek Sharma starred once again for SRH after making a splendid 43 from 28 balls.
Aiden Markram too played a fine knock of 32 off 25 that kept SRH in the hunt for a win.
But, the rest of the batters faltered at the end which cost SRH the game and they lost it.
Player of the Match
Andre Russell for his 3/22 (4) and 49* (28)
Post Match Reactions
Kane Williamson, Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper started off by praising Andre Russell and said that he can be dangerous when he gets set at the crease. Mentioned that they failed to keep the momentum in the game although the target was a fair one. Added that Sundar did a good job with the ball although it was going to be tough for him. Also said that as he used up his resources a little too quickly, the game went out of their hands. Praised Abhishek Sharma and said that he was brilliant with the bat but the failure to create a strong partnership between batsmen was not there. Concluded by saying that the game always teaches lessons and they will learn from it.
Shreyas Iyer, Kolkata Knight Riders captain was happy with the team’s performance in the match. Said that every individual stepped up to their roles and did the job for them. Mentioned that spinners really bowled well for them. Added that the toss was crucial for them as they knew the pitch conditions in Pune and it really panned out well for them. Ended by saying that when he said the CEO is involved in team selections, he meant that he is there to console the players who are sitting in the dugout as it is tough work to select the best playing XI.
Next Match
Kolkata Knight Riders will next face Lucknow Super Giants on the 18th of May at Dr DY Patil Stadium.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will be up against the Mumbai Indians on the 17th of May at Wankhede Stadium.
