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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), led by Shreyas Iyer, secured a crushing 98-run victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 54th match of IPL 2024 on May 5 at Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. LSG opted to bowl first, a decision they quickly came to regret. A blistering knock of 81 runs from Sunil Narine, coupled with valuable contributions from other KKR batters, propelled the visitors to a formidable total of 235/6. Chasing a mammoth target, the LSG batting line-up faltered under pressure. The KKR bowling unit, displaying exceptional form, bundled out the Lucknow team for a mere 137 runs in just 16.1 overs. Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy emerged as the bowling heroes, claiming three wickets each. Andre Russell, Mitchell Starc, and Sunil Narine also chipped in with wickets, showcasing the depth of KKR's bowling attack.
Havoc in KKR's dressing room?
Meanwhile, during the post-match presentation, Shreyas Iyer, in a light-hearted moment, addressed his recent string of toss defeats. He jokingly mentioned the ‘havoc’ it had caused in the KKR dressing room, with everyone questioning his toss-calling abilities.
"The last 6 matches in the dressing room there has been havoc, teammates are coming in and asking skip what's happening, we are losing tosses, but we are winning games that's what matters," Shreyas Iyer said at the post-match presentation.
Shreyas also lauded the opening partnership of Sunil Narine and Philip Salt which set to tone for KKR's batting. He pointed out their positive brand of cricket, which allows KKR to build strong partnerships which ultimately help them to put big scores.
"We had a great start in the powerplay. A lefty-righty combination makes things difficult for the opposition. It's all about the freedom, to go out and express themselves. We want to go out and be positive whatever the situation is, sometimes it doesn't work out but sometimes it does. They have been splendid for us, the way they are playing their shots is pure bliss. They are setting us up and giving is momentum and no matter what the situation is, we are playing with a positive mindset," Shreyas added.
KKR rocket to top of the points table
Owing to this win, KKR have dethroned Rajasthan Royals (RR) and rocketed to top of the IPL 2024's points table. The defeat to KKR, coupled with the Chennai Super Kings' victory over Punjab Kings earlier in the day, intensified the pressure on LSG. Their hopes of securing a playoff spot for the third year in a row now hang in the balance, as they find themselves pushed down to fifth place on the points table.
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