KKR's Rinku Singh shed tears after losing nail-biting contest against LSG

Rinku Singh almost pulled off the unimaginable for Kolkata Knight Riders, but his valiant efforts were in vain as Lucknow Super Giants won by the barest of margins, just two runs, at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday (May 18). It was a memorable outing for both the teams, as LSG clinched the playoffs spot, and KKR lost a game in which they deserved to win.

Singh was in tears when his side lost the game after his massive efforts. If he had not lost his wicket in the final over, KKR would have continued in the race. He entered the game when the team was struggling at 150/6, targeting 211 for a successful chase. Singh knocked 40 runs in mere 15 balls, smashing two fours and four huge sixes to bring the game down till the final over.

When KKR needed 21 off the last over, Singh’s boundaries helped the team to cut short the chase and equation finally boiled to KKR needing just five runs off the last three deliveries. That is when Marcus Stoinis worked his charm and dismissed Singh on the penultimate ball to put a stop to his dream run. He also dismissed Umesh Yadav on the final delivery of the game when KKR needed three runs to win.

It was a difficult season for KKR, and they will surely need time to sulk into the emotions. Singh has proved to be a brilliant batter since the day he made his debut for the team. He has never failed to surprise the team and the fans with his power-hitting in the final overs. He has been the reason behind KKR’s recent victories, because of which they had their hopes alive.

Rinku Singh’s heroics went in vain as KKR lost to LSG

The first inning was all about LSG and their openers. KKR strived for a wicket throughout the 20 overs, but the bowlers failed miserably as KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock punished each and every one. De Kock’s spectacular century (140* off 70) and Rahul’s steady half-century (68* off 51) helped Lucknow Super Giants reach 210/0 in 20 overs.

In return, Shreyas Iyer and Nitish Rana played a magnificent inning to cope with the game and give a powerful reply to LSG’s bowling unit. But their dismissal was a major blow for KKR, and a big breakthrough for LSG, who required just the one win to qualify. Rinku Singh carried from where Iyer and Rana had left off but fell short of just one big shot. Though he lost the game, he won many hearts by doing the unthinkable.