IPL 9 Match 30 Review: Yusuf Pathan powers KKR to a thumping win

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) registered a thumping 5 wickets win over the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) with the help of Yusuf Pathan ’s blistering 29 ball 60 runs knock. The home side posted a target of 186 runs for the visitors to chase after being put into bat. But, KKR side, powered by Yusuf Pathan’s blitzkrieg easily cruised past the target with 5 wickets to spare.

The Bengaluru crowd was left disappointed after the Jamaican Giant, Chris Gayle, failed to perform in his comeback match. However, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli then put up an 84 runs stand for the 2nd wicket in just 9.4 overs to steady the RCB innings after the initial setback. Rahul, especially, looked at his aggressive best and piled on a 32 ball 52 run knock. The pair continued to dominate till they were separated in the 12th over by leggie Piyush Chawla.

KKR subsequently gained an upper hand in the game after they managed to get rid of the dangerman AB de Villiers immediately after KL Rahul’s departure. But, Shane Watson (34 from 21 balls) then forged with Kohli for a brief stand to take forward the RCB innings. The KKR spinners pulled back really well and successfully managed to contain the lethal Kohli-Watson pair.

The 17th over of the match was the most eventful of the RCB innings. With the death overs approaching, Kohli and Watson tried to break free. But, Morne Morkel ensured that the pair isn’t able to thrive. Kohli was dropped at the long on by Gambhir off the third ball in the 17th over. But, Kohli failed to capitalise the extra life as he was dismissed off the very next ball in the same over.

Sachin Baby (16 from 8 balls) then played a short entertaining cameo with Watson (34 from 21 balls).  Stuart Binny (16 from 4 balls) also made a valuable contribution as The RCB scorecard ballooned to 185/7 at the end of 20 overs.

In reply, KKR were off to a bad start as they lost Robin Uthappa (1 from 4 balls) very cheaply. Chris Lynn (15 from 12 balls) and Manish Pandey (8 from 12 balls) also could not sustain for very long. The home side was in a commanding position at the half-way stage. A staggering 117 were required off the last sixty balls.

But, Yusuf Pathan (60 from 29 balls) and Andre Russell (39 from 24 balls) then forged a match-winning 96 runs partnership to take KKR closer to the win. Russell, however, could not stay till the end as he was dismissed in the 18th over. But, his departure did not hamper KKR’s cause. Pathan continued his onslaught and along with Surya Kumar Yadav (10 from 5 balls) took KKR past the victory line pretty easily.

Brief Scores:

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 185/7 in 20 overs (KL Rahul 52; M Morkel 2/28)

Kolkata Knight Riders: 189/5 in 19.1 overs (Yusuf Pathan 60*; Yuzvendra 2/27)

Man of the Match: Andre Russell

Also, read – IPL 9, Match 30: RCB v KKR – 5 Talking Points