On Wednesday, April 26, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by a humiliating 21 runs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The 2023 points table currently has RCB in fifth place and KKR in seventh. Jason Roy’s wild half-century with four boundaries and five maximums helped KKR, who batted first, get off to a flying start with 56 runs off 29 balls. RCB dropped Nitish Rana twice, costing the visitors 48 runs off 21 balls. KKR reached 200 thanks to the cameos of David Wiese and Rinku Singh at the end of the innings.
In response, RCB made a strong start but lost three wickets on their own powerplay, leaving the score at 58. Substitute chief Virat Kohli (54 runs off 37 balls) struck a fine 50 years yet died in the thirteenth over to Andre Russell. Mahipal Lomror (34 runs off 18 balls) played a decent appearance, yet couldn’t remain at the wrinkle to the point of directing his side home.
KKR spinners Varun Chakravarthy (4-0-27-3) and Suyash Sharma (4-0-30-2) ran amok as RCB’s weak middle order was exposed. Before their next match against the high-flying Lucknow Super Giants, RCB will need to improve their middle-order batting and fielding. In light of this, the three advantages that RCB gained from their matchup with KKR are as follows:
1) For RCB, Virat Kohli’s outstanding form continues.
Virat Kohli got off to a great start, anchoring the innings perfectly, as the target was 201. Kohli appeared destined to complete yet another iconic chase, but a pull-shot caught the fielder deep in the middle of the wicket, ending his innings. The second innings’ turning point came when Kohli and Lomror were run out in four balls.
2) The quick appearance of Mahipal Lomror
Mahipal Lomror’s score of 34 runs off 18 balls, despite RCB’s well-documented middle-order woes, will provide hope for the team’s management. In his innings, Lomror hit three sixes and one four and scored at a strike rate of 188.89. Varun Chakravarthy tossed him to a ball that he should have thrown over the ropes. He will expect to change over his begins greater game dominating thumps for his side.
3) Mohammed Siraj and Wanindu Hasaranga’s excellent ball possessions
On a wicket that was favorable to the batters, Wanindu Hasaranga (4-0-24-2) finally found his rhythm as he bowled an excellent spell. In his fourth over, Hasaranga took the crucial wickets of Nitish Rana and Venkatesh Iyer. Mohammed Siraj (4-0-33-1) bowled at a respectable economy rate of 8.25, continuing his excellent bowling form. With a perfect yorker, he beat the dangerous Andre Russell to the ground.