Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by just one run. It was a thrilling match at Eden Gardens on April 21st. RCB nearly chased down over 200 runs, their first such big chase since 2010. But they fell just short at the end, despite being led by Faf du Plessis.
RCB were favorites at one stage in the chase, resting comfortably at 137-3 in the 12th over. However, KKR’s seasoned combo of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine answered with wickets to bring the match back to level terms.
Dinesh Karthik was RCB’s last chance, and while the former KKR captain got 25 runs off 18 deliveries, he was removed on the final ball of the penultimate over, presumably ending the game.
With tailender Karn Sharma at the bat against blazing bowler Mitchell Starc, and the latter with 21 runs to defend, the match was declared a no contest. However, Karn Sharma rescued RCB by hitting three sixes in the first four deliveries.
Karn Sharma did, however, receive a lifeline from the second delivery of the over. The left-handed hitter nicked one back to Phil Salt behind the wickets. However, following review, the third umpire determined that the catch did not carry, infuriating the English wicketkeeper.
With three required from two deliveries, Starc made a wonderful reaction catch to reduce RCB to 220-9. Former KKR player Lockie Ferguson aimed the final delivery at extra cover and attempted to run two.
However, Phil Salt’s acrobatic attempt resulted in a run-out and brought an end to a remarkable match.
Take a peek at the final right here:
RCB’s losing streak now stands at six matches in the 2024 IPL. The team’s playoff hopes are almost over, as they remain stuck at the bottom of the points table.
“We were desperate, 10/10 from an effort perspective” – RCB skipper Faf du Plessis on the heart-breaking defeat
In an effort to turn things around, RCB made three changes to their lineup. Mohammed Siraj, Cameron Green, and Karn Sharma returned to the playing XI. However, despite an improvement over their last set of performances, it was insufficient.
Furthermore, Kohli’s contentious dismissal and the collapse in the middle overs contributed to the tight defeat.
“We were desperate, 10/10 from an effort perspective, the way we put up the effort in the ground, the faces told the story. We’ve got an unbelievable fan base, we want to make them happy, we want them to have a smile on their face. We’ll have to continue putting in our efforts and try to change things around.”
Faf du Plessis
In the upcoming stretch, Royal Challengers Bangalore faces a string of road matches. This sequence precedes their homecoming clash against Gujarat Titans.
