A huge tick in the box to the KKR bowlers who didn’t go over 30 off their four overs, which tells you they used the surface intelligently to restrict a side which couldn’t adapt to a surface that didn’t suit their style of play
Venkatesh Iyer of Kolkata Knight Riders bats during the qualifier 2 cricket match of the Indian Premier League between the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Delhi Capitals, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE. Pic/PTI
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made a meal of a simple win.They have a lot to thank the festive occasion of Durga Puja and the goddess’ blessings along with the strong temperament of Rahul Tripathi to get over the line in the Qualifier 2 against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Wednesday night.
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On a poor pitch, DC managed 135-5 in the allotted 20 overs. Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer managed 36 and an unbeaten 30 respectively in almost a run-a-ball. Shimron Hetmyer with 17off 10 balls seemed the only player who had a strike rate above the ordinary (170.00).
A big tick for KKR bowlers
A huge tick in the box to the KKR bowlers who didn’t go over 30 off their four overs, which tells you they used the surface intelligently to restrict a side which couldn’t adapt to a surface that didn’t suit their style of play.
With the dew setting in, the KKR batters seemed more comfortable. Shubman Gill swam sensibly to a run-a-ball 46 and Venkatesh Iyer played another smart innings (55 off 41 balls). Iyer has been a revelation of the KKR batting and the IPL. A player coming out of nowhere, Iyer is no spring chicken. With no centuries in 10 first-class games, Iyer may have wondered where his cricket was going. The IPL gives cricketers hope and a platform to become household names. Iyer is one such name. Suddenly, the T20 world has taken notice of a player who is destructive, yet smart in the way he bats. He reminds us of Matthew Hayden where the bat seems to be a slave in his hands. The starts he has provided along with Gill have been crucial in KKR’s renaissance in the second leg of the IPL.
Succumbed under pressure
From 123-2 in 16 overs to 130-7 in 19.4 overs is a reflection of how the KKR batting succumbed under pressure on a slow pitch.
Tripathi may have made the most important 12 of his career. His back foot six over long-off embodied skill, a strong mind and self belief. Sometimes, little things stand out like Tripathi’s innings.
KKR would have kicked themselves had they lost this one. Thanks to Tripathi, they have saved themselves the blushes of losing a game they should have won easily.
DC played well throughout the tournament and lost when it mattered. That is why sudden death games are far more different from league games.
Now or never is tougher to handle than tomorrow is another day to live.
The writer is a former Mumbai captain and currently CEO of Baroda Cricket Association
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