IPL 2019: Match 43, KKR vs RR – Who Said What

The Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) poor run of form don’t seem to end as the franchise slumped to their sixth consecutive defeat in this edition’s Indian Premier League (IPL). The team, captained by Dinesh Karthik slumped to a three-wicket defeat against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This was RR’s first victory versus KKR in the City of Joy ever since the inaugural season.

Karthik comes to the party

After losing the toss and being put in to bat first, KKR scored 175 for six in their 20 overs. Their start wasn’t great as Varun Aaron rattled Chris Lynn in the very first over. Thereafter, the right-arm pacer got rid of Shubman Gill. Nitish Rana had a torrid time and he could only manage a 26-ball 21. Sunil Narine was sent at number four and he got out for 13. Carlos Brathwaite hit a boundary and then perished.

Even Andre Russell managed a run-a-ball 13 before falling prey to Thereafter, Dinesh Karthik took charge and injected impetus into the innings. The wicketkeeper-batsman got to his fifty in 35 balls and then accelerated significantly. The veteran remained not out on 97 from 50 balls, though was unlucky to not get to his maiden T20 century. His knock was laced with seven fours and nine over-boundaries.

Parag and Archer play blinders

The Royals got off to a blistering beginning as Ajinkya Rahane and Sanju Samson put on 53 for the opening wicket in 32 balls. Narine gave KKR the much-needed breakthrough, dismissing Rahane, who threatened with 34 from 21 balls. Leg spinner Piyush Chawla castled Samson in the next over. Narine picked up the prized scalp of Steve Smith to well and truly bring the Knight Riders back into the contest.

Ben Stokes succumbed to Chawla after hitting two fours. The tweaker’s third wicket came in the form of Stuart Binny. Riyan Parag found it tough initially, but gradually got going. Shreyas Gopal smashed four fours and then was dismissed by  Prasidh Krishna. Parag went on to score 47 runs off 21 balls to take his team close. Jofra Archer tonked a four and a six in the last over to take the Royals over the line.

Dinesh Karthik, the KKR captain, said

Little disappointed. Thought we were in it to win, but it wasn’t our day. I have kept saying that winning always feels good, but when you lose close games like this you feel ‘wow, when are we gonna get there’. We were looking to go full and on the stumps, obviously the first edge didn’t help and then the equation got easier. Second shot was a good shot. You can’t put too much pressure on the bowler. Wet ball; dew on outfield, it didn’t help us. Happy with the way boys fought, not happy with the result. A lot of it will boil down to how much they trust me as a leader. It’s important to keep the mood of the dressing room good. The fact that we are not able to cross the winning line is not a good feeling.

Steve Smith, the RR captain, said

We made it difficult for ourselves. We lost too many wickets in the middle section after a good start. Riyan Parag .. isn’t he an impressive young man? He played very composed like a seasoned campaigner. Great contribution from Gopal and Archer too. I thought they bowled really well with the new ball, first 7-8 overs. Oshane did well in his first game. Varun Aaron was exceptional with the new ball.

The boys did a great job. There was some really good shots from DK, who played a terrific innings. Happy to get over the line. The first 5-6 games, we weren’t able to creep over the line. It’s good to creep over the line tonight. We lose a few players now. Jofra and Stokesy are off tonight, they go back to England now – two big holes to fill. I am here for 13 games. After the Bangalore one, I’ll be heading back. Hopefully, I can contribute and see if we can get few more wins.

Varun Aaron, the Player of the Match, said

Everything is fine. It was just cramps which got resolved in half an hour. I always believe in myself. I felt that the one over which I bowled in the previous game, didn’t do much wrong in that. Feeling great, as good as ever. Want to play for my country and win matches.

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from the Indian Premier League (IPL), Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.