IPL Live Score, KKR vs RCB:
In match number 36 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched a nail-biting 1-run victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). On a pulsating Sunday evening at Eden Gardens, RCB, chasing a hefty target of 223 runs, folded at 221 in 20 overs, marking their sixth consecutive defeat. For Kolkata, this win stamps their authority with their fifth victory in seven games.
In the climactic final over, RCB needed 21 runs for a win. Karan Sharma (20) rose to the occasion, smashing three sixes off Mitchell Starc’s deliveries. Despite his heroics, Sharma fell to Starc on the penultimate ball. With three runs needed off the last delivery, Lockie Ferguson's attempt for a second run ended in his run-out; inches away from taking the match to a thrilling Super Over.
Jack and Rajat's Stellar Fifties
Chasing the target, RCB didn’t have the ideal start, losing Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis with just 35 on the board. Then, Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar turned the tide with a stirring 102-run partnership for the third wicket. Jacks' fiery 55 off 32 balls, embellished with four boundaries and five sixes, coupled with Patidar's swift 52 from 23 balls, infused life back into the innings. Patidar’s innings were spiked with three fours and five maximums.
After Jacks' departure, Kolkata made a rousing comeback, at one point reducing RCB to six wickets down for 155 runs. The pairing of Suyash Prabhudessai and Dinesh Karthik briefly resurrected hopes with a vital 32-run liaison. But it was Sharma's explosive act in the last over that had the home fans on their feet as Andre Russell scalped three crucial wickets for Kolkata.
Scores at a Glance: Royal Challengers Bangalore’s innings (221/10, 20 overs)
Batting first after losing the toss, Kolkata Knight Riders put up a fighting score of 222 for 6. Opener Phil Salt, hitting a quickfire 48 off just 14 balls with seven fours and three sixes, led the onslaught. Captain Shreyas Iyer chipped in with a solid 50 from 36 balls, enriching his knock with seven boundaries and a six. Ramandeep Singh’s unbeaten cameo of 24 from nine balls was the icing on the cake, as Andre Russell remained not out on 27 from 20 deliveries. RCB's Yash Dayal and Cameron Green shared the spoils with two wickets each. This season, Kolkata has now thrice erected a fortress beyond the 220-run mark.
RCB’s Bowling Over the Last Three Matches
Scorecard for Kolkata Knight Riders’ innings
RCB introduced significant changes to their lineup ahead of this crucial match. Speedster Mohammad Siraj found his spot in the playing XI after sitting out the previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. All-rounder Cameron Green and spinner Karan Sharma also joined the fray. On the other side, KKR stuck with their battle-tested combination.
In the IPL history, the teams of Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore have clashed a total of 34 times, with RCB securing victories in 14 and KKR reigning supreme in 29 matches. The current season saw a second faceoff between Kolkata Knight Riders and RCB; the earlier encounter on March 29th saw KKR take the victory by 7 wickets.
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Playing XI:
Faf du Plessis (captain), Virat Kohli, Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper), Mahipal Lomror, Karan Sharma, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal, Mohammad Siraj.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Playing XI:
Phil Salt (wicketkeeper), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana.
