The weekend belonged to big hitters and last-ball finishes as the IPL delivered a double dose of drama on April 21st. In Mohali, a late blitz from Rahul Tewatia secured a thrilling 3-wicket victory for Gujarat Titans over the Punjab Kings, while Kolkata witnessed a heart-stopping 1-run win for the Knight Riders against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, all decided by the final delivery.
The Punjab Kings, after declaring to bat first, found themselves, in early trouble as their top order faltered. However, a defiant knock from Liam Livingstone(48 runs) ensured they posted a competitive 142 on the board. The credit for restricting them goes to the Gujrat Titans bowling attack, with the young spinner Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore (3/22) leading the way.
Chasing a seemingly manageable target, the Titans openers provided a solid start with Shubham Gill ( 37 runs) and Wriddhiman Saha (29 runs) putting up a 65-run partnership. However, the Punjab Kings pinners managed to break the flow, dismissing both openers in quick succession. Skipper Hardik Pandya (22 runs) tried to hold the innings together, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals
Just when it seemed the Kings were on the verge of victory, Rahul Tewatia emerged as the unlikely hero. In a display of power-hitting prowess, he smashed 18 runs off just 8 balls in the final over, including some crucial boundaries, to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for his side with 3 wickets remaining. Sai Kishore’s economical and wicket-taking spell was well-deservedly rewarded with the Player of the Match award
The Eden Gardens witnessed a high-octane encounter, as well as the Kolkata Knight Riders, unleashed an offensive masterclass, posting a mammoth 222 runs on the board. The star of the show was the ever-explosive Andre Russell, who unleashed a breathtaking knock of 87 runs off just 34 balls, peppering the boundaries with 7 sixes and 4 fours.
Royal Challengers Bangalore, in reply, began cautiously but found momentum thanks to a gritty half-century from Glenn Maxwell(62 runs). Virat Kohli( 34 runs) and Faf du Plessis (31 runs) chipped with crucial contributions keeping RCB in the hunt.
As the final over approached the pressure became immense, and keeping the calm, KKR’s Pt Cummins took the all-important wicket of Dinesh Karthik in the final delivery and sealed a dramatic 1-run victory for his team. Ander Russel, for his match-winning knock, was awarded with Player of the Match.
