Punjab Kings (PBKS) finally managed to be on the right side of the run chase after a five-wicket win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). PBKS chased down the total of 166 with three balls to spare. The win has helped Kings climb to the fifth spot with five wins from 12 games. On the other hand, the loss did not affect KKR’s position on the table as they are still placed fourth on the points table with five wins and a positive net run rate. The win also helped Delhi Capitals (DC) cement their spot in the playoffs irrespective of the results of upcoming matches.
Shahrukh Khan’s late cameo
Shahrukh Khan’s return to the side worked wonders for Kings as they found their finisher in the hard-hitting batter. Shahrukh’s cameo of 22 from nine deliveries included one four and two sixes. He walked in to bat when the team needed 32 runs from 21 deliveries. He did the bulk of scoring getting his team over the line and keeping their playoffs hopes alive. In the games to come, he can be the missing piece of the puzzle Kings need to finish off games.
Captain’s knock for Rahul
KL Rahul anchored the run chase and took PBKS to the doorstep of victory. Rahul scored 67 runs from 55 deliveries before getting out in the last over. He shared a 70-run opening partnership with Mayank Agarwal (40). Leading from the front, he held on to one end whereas wickets fell on the other end.
Venkatesh Iyer continues dream run
Opener Venkatesh Iyer is proving to be KKR’s most valuable player in the second phase of IPL. Iyer got KKR off to a great start in powerplay overs and went on to score his second IPL half-century. The left-handed batter scored 67 runs from 49 deliveries, helping his side post a competitive total of 165/7 on the board. In the second innings, Morgan gave the medium pacer the task to defend five runs in last over. He got the wicket of KL Rahul off the second ball and almost got the wicket of Shahrukh but Tripathi dropped the catch on the boundary.
Another single-digit score for Morgan
Eoin Morgan’s lean patch continues as he registered his fourth single-digit score in the second leg of IPL. The left-handed batter could score only two runs two deliveries losing his wicket to Mohammed Shami. The English batter has scored just 17 runs from four innings in this phase so far which is a big reason for worry for the franchise.
