IPL 2019: RCB beat KKR by 10 runs
Even in the shortest of formats, Virat Kohli doesn’t run out of time. His fifth century in the IPL came at the crucial stage of the league. In return, KKR’s Andre Russell and Nitish Rana fired ferociously to add to the luminous intensity at Eden Gardens on Good Friday Night.
Winning the toss KKR put visitors to bat which was utilised well by RCB.
RCB Playing XI – P Patel (wk), V Kohli (c), M Ali, M Stoinis, H Klaasen, A Nath, P Negi, D Steyn, M Siraj, Y Chahal, N Saini.
The absence of AB de Villiers meant that Kohli had to be the actor, director and producer of whatever RCB managed. If RCB got to 213/2 it was because of Kohli and Moeen Ali. Moeen Ali hit bowlers like punching bags. But it was okay because what Ali was doing to KKR, Russell usually does to their opponents.
Ali was altogether in a different form and made a superfast 66 on 28 balls. Ali took 27 off the 16th over bowled by Kuldeep Yadav. The Bowler went round the wicket and got Ali off the last ball but by then Ali had done the damage. Then Kohli took over. Though the RCB’s skipper innings began scratchily like he was struggling but it turned out in a piece worthy of his reputation. Kohli added 5th century to his record in IPL and put up a strong total in front of hosts.
KKR Playing XI – C Lynn, S Narine, R Uthappa, N Rana, D Karthik (c & wk), S Gill, A Russell, P Chawla, K Yadav, H Gurney, P Krishna.
The top order failed miserably for KKR. Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa and Shubham Gill all departed with little runs. KKR were at 79/4 in 11.5 overs. When Russell is there even this is possible and when you have the company of Nitish Rana it looks even closer to the finish line.
The duo was madly hitting the ball for the maximum whenever the ball connects. Russell smashed 9 sixes in his 25 balls 65 and Rana made 85 runs in 45. From nowhere near to win KKR had to taste the defeat by just 10 runs short of the target.
Updated Points Table of Vivo IPL 2019
Orange Cap and Purple Cap Latest Report
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