Yesterday’s IPL double event offered a fascinating clash of styles. At one end, we saw the sheer power of unleashed Narine, while the other showcased Dhoni’s tactical brilliance under pressure.
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) registered a dominant 98-run victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Opting to field first, LSG restricted KKR to a formidable 235/6 in their 20 overs. Sunil Narine stole the show with a breathtaking knock of 81 runs off just 39 balls, smashing six fours and seven sixes. Openers Phil Salt (320) and Shreyas Iyer (23) also chipped in with valuable contributions.
LSG’s chase faltered right from the start, losing wickets at regular intervals. Avesh Khan was the lone bright spark with the ball, picking up 3 wickets. The rest of the bowling attack struggled to contain the KKR onslaught. The Lucknow batting lineup was only able to manage 137 before they got all out in the 17th over, handing KKR a convincing win. Sunil Narine was deservedly awarded Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
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In the earlier match played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) edged past and posted a total of 167/9 on the board. Ruturaj Gaikwad top-scored for the Yellow Army with a steady 42, while Ambati Rayudu (38) and MS Dhoni (24) provided valuable cameos down the order. Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the Punjab bowlers, scalping.
Chasing a modest target, PBKS got off to a decent start but lost wickets at crucial points. Liam Livingstone (47) and Jonny Bairstow (32) played splendid knocks, but their dismissals pegged back the chase. The CSK bowling attack, led by the experienced Deepak Chahar (2 wickets), operated with discipline, restricting the flow of runs. In the end, PBKS fell short, managing only 139/9 in their allotted 20 overs, handing CSK a hard-fought victory. Ravindra Jadeja, who scored a crucial 22 off 14 balls and picked up a wicket, was rightfully awarded Player of the Match.
