KKR versus RCB at Eden Gardens is often an eventful contest.
There was the infamous 49 all-out in 2017. And more recently ‘lord’ Shardul Thakur scored a brazen half-century to pull off a stunning rescue act.
On a sweltering Sunday afternoon, KKR and RCB played another memorable game in Kolkata. Though nearly 450 runs were scored it wasn’t your regular IPL run fest.
In the end, the contest was decided by… well, the barest of margins. A wicketkeeper from England dived full length to break the stumps. This ran out a batter from New Zealand, who was attempting a second run off the final ball to take the match into a Super Over.
RCB’s Fightback and Setback
Even with Kohli’s exit, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) had some optimism thanks to the dynamic duo of Rajat Patidar and Will Jacks. After their partnership of 102 runs, RCB’s innings got much-needed pace and they were at 137 for 2.
With Patidar and Jacks playing so well together at the crease, RCB fans had reason to believe they would win this game. The quick departures of Patidar and Jacks severely damaged RCB’s pursuit, leaving their middle order open and vulnerable.
Then the batting meltdown became even worse as Mahipal Lomror. And Cameron Green was sent off the field quickly. Sending the RCB into even more chaos. RCB was floundering at 155 for 6, the once-promising chase turning into a frantic battle for survival. The momentum of the game changed drastically as KKR took charge as RCB struggled to save their innings.
The abrupt change in matches shows how cruel Twenty20 cricket can be, with results changing drastically in a matter of seconds. Even though RCB gave it their all and Patidar. And Jack seemed promising at first. They were eventually unable to withstand the constant assault from KKR‘s bowling attack.
In the thick of defeat, RCB and its supporters reflected on what could have been as the game served as a painful reminder of cricket’s inherent unpredictability.
Also Read: BCCI Fines David & Pollard
Du Plessis’ Perspective on This Match
The captain of the Royals, Faf du Plessis said, “I think that’s … where we feel like the game is changing,”
“Obviously, you have the extra batter [with the Impact Player rule]. So the batting lineup is a little bit longer. But generally, the guys who come in and want to take six or seven balls to get themselves in and get six of six… You know, when you’re chasing 230, 240, 250, it just feels like the game doesn’t allow you to do that anymore. So it is tough.
“But I think especially, like I said, we got that massive over before the Narine over and then it feels like you’ve got a bit of a window. You almost just play the match-up again with Narine.
“I mean, that’s what I talk about those little moments where if you’re winning games and you get the confidence of how to get your team across the line, then your decision-making is a little bit clearer in that space in the middle.”
Du Plessis hailed the effort shown by RCB in the field, despite conceding 222 after choosing to chase. “I feel like really proud today of the boys, the way that we fought in the field,” he said.
“I thought for the first time in this competition, even though the scoreboard says 230 [222], I mean, there was a couple of big overs towards the end, but just a lot of fight out there.”
About Author
Zartash Zulfiqar is a passionate cricket writer with a love for cricket that shines through in every word. From match analyses to player profiles, she delivers insightful commentary that resonates with fans worldwide. Stay tuned for the latest from the world of cricket, brought to you by Zartash.
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