It was sheer heartbreak for Kolkata Knight Riders as they lost against the Rajasthan Royals yesterday by 7 runs.
Kolkata Knight Riders had won the toss and decided to bowl first.
Jos Buttler produced his second ton of the season with support from Devdutt Paddikal, Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer.
Rajasthan Royals had a great start to their innings and they finished up with a huge score of 217/5.
On the bowling side, it was Sunil Narine who picked up 2 wickets.
Kolkata Knight Riders had to chase down an epic 218 runs to win the contest.
And they too had an excellent start to their innings with Aaron Finch providing a solid foundation for KKR.
Even skipper Shreyas Iyer was in fine form and he scored 85 from 51 deliveries.
The game became a huge see-saw in which one or the other team dominated the proceedings.
Kolkata Knight Riders had almost reached the finishing line with Umesh Yadav and Sheldon Jackson ensuring that their team made it through.
Yuzvendra Chahal took an epic 5/40 in his 4 overs that included a hattrick.
But both of them were cleaned up by debutant Obed McCoy who became the hero for the Rajasthan Royals.
Player of the Match
Yuzvendra Chahal for his 5/40 (4).
Post Match Reactions
Shreyas Iyer, Kolkata Knight Riders said that they had a very good start to their innings but they played quite slow in the middle overs. Added that they couldn’t really click and that’s where they lost the game. Mentioned that they always had planned to take the game till the very end and it really is disheartening to see yourself on the losing side. Added that the dew was not a major issue in the second innings. Ended by saying that the wicket was really good for batting and they will come back stronger in the next game.
Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals skipper said that the game had gone to a very tense level but that is what is the beauty of the Indian T20 league. Added that they need to understand the momentum of the game and when to take things slow. Mentioned that Kolkata are a strong team and they knew that they would come hard on them. Praised all his teammates and said that everyone played their roles to perfection. Mentioned that Ashwin taking the wicket of Andre Russell and Devdutt Paddikal’s innings were the crucial factors for them in the game. Ended by saying that they hope to continue the winning momentum in the same way.
Next Match
Rajasthan Royals will next face Delhi Capitals on the 22nd of April at MCA Stadium, Pune while Kolkata Knight Riders have Gujarat Titans as their next assignment on the 23rd of April at Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
