Kolkata Knight Riders beat R Ashwin-led Kings XI Punjab by 28 runs at the Eden Gardens to continue their winning start to the season. Chasing an improbable 219, the Kings XI could only manage 190 for 4.
Asked to bat first, the Knight Riders were off to an electric start. Sunil Narine slammed debutantV Varun Chakravarthy for three sixes and a four in the very second over to set the tone. The Kings XI then struck twice to remove Narine and Chris Lynn in quick time to reduce the hosts to 36 for 2. However, from thereon, it was all about the Knight Riders.
Nitish Rana and Robin Uthappa laid the platform for the big total by adding 110 runs for the third wicket. Rana, who had scored a fifty in the first game, was the aggressor during the stand, hitting 2 fours and 7 sixes during his 34-ball 63 runs knock. Uthappa, on the other hand, looked more than happy to play the role of the second fiddle.
Andre Russell then continued his red-hot form to provide the finishing touches. After being given a reprieve on three, he slammed 48 off just 17 balls to help the Knight Riders cross the 200-run mark. Uthappa remained unbeaten on 67 to see the innings through.
In reply, the Kings XI were off to a stuttering start, losing KL Rahul for just 1. Russell then all but ended Kings XI’s hopes by dismissing Chris Gayle to reduce the visitors to 37 for 2. From that point onwards, it was just about formality as Kings XI rarely looked in contention to chase down the humongous total. Mayank Agarwal and David Miller hit fifties to help their side finish on a respectable 190 for 4.
Speaking after the game, R Ashwin took the blame on himself for the no-ball that gave Russell another chance to have a go at the Kings XI bowlers. He also hoped that the team would get back to winning ways in Mohali.
“[No ball cost the game?] We weren’t really focussed on the small things and they do cost you big in this format. Yes, we definitely have to look at it next game. I’ll take the blame.”
“I should’ve had a look at it. At that stage, with the slog on, you hope the fielders are switched on but obviously he was a debutant [only two debutants today for Kings XI – Varun and Viljoen]. Positives, Varun’s 15th over, and we managed things well with small boundaries. Mayank batted well. I thought 200 was par and that’s where the small mistakes cost us. We played four last year in Mohali and won all of them. It suits our batters there. It’s importnat to win games on the bounce and that’s why that batting performance was important,” R Ashwin added.