Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings: Russell's 70 off 31 helps KKR brush aside PBKS
KKR chase down 138 in 14.3 overs
Umesh's four-for restricts Kings to 137/9
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) registered a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the eighth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 on Friday, April 1, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Punjab Kings, who were put in to bat first, got off to a poor start as they lost their top three batters for just 22 runs inside the powerplay. Shikhar Dhawan (16) was the first to go, followed by Mayank Agarwal (12) and Jonny Bairstow (0). Bhanuka Rajapaksa (31) and Liam Livingstone (19) provided some respite with a 40-run stand for the fourth wicket, but the Kings continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.
Umesh Yadav was the pick of the bowlers for KKR, taking four wickets for 23 runs in his four overs. Andre Russell (2/23) and Tim Southee (2/36) also chipped in with two wickets each. In the end, PBKS were restricted to a below-par 137/9 in their 20 overs.
In reply, KKR got off to a solid start as Venkatesh Iyer (26) and Ajinkya Rahane (25) added 43 runs for the first wicket. Rahane was dismissed by Kagiso Rabada in the eighth over, but Iyer continued to play aggressively, hitting four boundaries and a six.
However, it was Russell who stole the show with an explosive innings of 70 off just 31 balls. The Jamaican all-rounder hit four boundaries and eight sixes in his knock, and his innings helped KKR chase down the target with ease in just 14.3 overs.
With this victory, KKR moved to the top of the IPL 2022 standings, while PBKS remained in ninth place.
Comments