Despite a scorching start, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) couldn’t maintain their momentum against the Delhi Capitals, concluding their innings at 204 for 9 in the IPL match played in Delhi. This total, although notable, left the hosts hopeful due to some disciplined bowling during the latter stages of the innings. The sports network ESPNcricinfo reported on the match several hours ago.
In favourable conditions for batting, KKR enjoyed their second-best powerplay of the season, amassing 79 runs in just 36 balls. However, their scoring rate began to wane post the ninth over, where they stood at 111 for 3. Axar Patel, key to Delhi’s bowling, held back his entrance due to less-than-ideal matchups against Sunil Narine. When he did deliver, Axar proved effective, conceding only 27 runs in his four overs while claiming two vital wickets.
The Delhi pitch, traditionally seen as challenging for batsmen, offered more assistance today, setting a stage for aggressive stroke play. But despite showy starts from Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ajinkya Rahane, each departed in the 20s, preventing a dominant partnership. Their initial 48-run stand, however, was KKR’s top opening effort this season.
Spin was pivotal, helping Delhi claw back into the game. Vipraj Nigam struck first, trapping Narine lbw in the seventh over—a tactical move that allowed Axar Patel to impactfully rejoin the fray. Patel’s deliveries dismissed Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer in quick succession.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh then steadied the innings, focusing on not exposing Andre Russell too early. Their fifth-wicket stand yielded 61 runs in 7.3 overs and even countered Kuldeep Yadav’s threat by taking 27 runs from his bowling stint. However, in an untidy end, KKR faltered. Rinku was caught off Nigam in the 18th over, Dushmantha Chameera delivered accurate wide yorkers in the 19th, and Mitchell Starc claimed two scalps in the same over. With limited opportunities, Russell was eventually run-out in the final over, scoring 17 from 9 balls. In sum, KKR could only add 45 runs during the last five overs.
Wasim Jaffer weighed in on KKR’s use of Russell: “Russell will find a way to score if he bats up the order.” It’s a sentiment shared by several cricket analysts, suggesting a rethink of KKR’s batting order could allow their explosive finisher more opportunity to impact the game.
