IPL 2024 Highlights: The likes of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) move up the points table after recording superb wins on Sunday, April 21. The two franchises were involved in last-over finishes against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), respectively.
While the afternoon game between KKR and RCB was an absolute run-fest, the evening encounter witnessed a battle between PBKS and GT for a 150-run below encounter.
The Knights have made their way to the second spot on the table after having a roller-coaster of an encounter against RCB. While KKR made 222 runs in their first innings, RCB snatched their biggest-ever run-chase before falling short by just a run.
GT, meanwhile, produced a great bowling performance to bundle Punjab out for 142 in what was the last IPL 2024 match in Mullanpur. Although the IPL 2022 champions did lose some wickets, they eventually registered a three-wicket win to go sixth on the leaderboard.
A captain’s knock by Iyer
Shreyas Iyer led by example against RCB, playing a captain’s knock that helped his team post a strong total. Batting at number 5, the right-hander had a point to prove after a slow start to the season. He didn’t disappoint, scoring his first fifty of the IPL in emphatic fashion.
Iyer’s knock was laced with elegance, finding the boundary seven times – six fours and a mighty six. His assured innings was crucial in propelling KKR’s score to a commanding 222 in the first innings, putting them in a strong position to win the match.
Will Jacks accumulate 22 runs off a Mitchell Starc over
Will Jacks’ splendid innings have RCB’s chase a major boost. The explosive batsman took apart Mitchell Starc’s over, smashing three sixes and a four for a staggering 22 runs. Jacks continued his aggressive knock, scoring a rapid 55 runs from just 32 balls. He shared a crucial 102-run partnership with Rajat Patidar, their combined efforts bringing RCB well back into contention.
An edge of the seat thriller at Eden
The Eden Gardens witnessed an absolute nail-biter as KKR edged past RCB by a mere run. RCB’s chase took a dramatic turn in the final over with the unlikely hero Karn Sharma smashing three sixes off Mitchell Starc, needing just 3 runs from the last ball.
The tension was palpable as Lockie Ferguson launched the final delivery into the deep covers, aiming for a couple to send the game into a Super Over. However, KKR’s wicket-keeper Phil Salt produced a moment of brilliance, diving forward and effecting a superb run-out to seal a dramatic one-run victory for his team.
Sai Kishore stifle PBKS batters with his guile
Coming into the GT team after a gap of five games, R Sai Kishore came up with a match-winning performance. The left-arm spinner broke the middle and lower order of PBKS batting lineup. His guile and disciplined bowling lines and lengths were spot on for Sai Kishore. He bagged four crucial wickets in the form of Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Jitesh Sharma and Harpreet Singh Bhatia. Kishor ended his spell with 4/33 and deservingly won the Player of the Match for proving a thorn for PBKS.
Rahul Tewatia to the rescue for GT once again
With Gujarat Titans wobbling at 103/4, the arrival of Rahul Tewatia at the crease provided a much-needed spark. The southpaw, known for his finishing prowess, launched into a quickfire 36 off just 18 balls, striking at a staggering 200. His knock was crucial as wickets continued to fall around him. Tewatia’s brilliance extended to the final over, where he calmly glanced the very first ball for four. It secured a thrilling victory for his side.
