IPL 2019: Highest Run-Scorers, Wicket-Takers, More After Kolkata vs. Rajasthan
Apr 25, 2019
LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 31: Jofra Archer of the Hobart Hurricanes bats during the Big Bash League match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Adelaide Strikers at UTAS Stadium on January 31, 2019 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Batting first, the Knight Riders were able to post a total of 175 for six, largely down to a fine innings from captain Dinesh Karthik. The wicketkeeper made an unbeaten 97, with Kolkata's next highest scorer Nitish Rana earning 21.
In response, Rajasthan got off to a quick start, before a succession of wickets put them behind the rate required. With skipper Steve Smith (2) and the dangerous Ben Stokes (11) falling cheaply, a successful chase looked unlikely.
However, 47 from 17-year-old Riyan Parag and an unbeaten 27 from Jofra Archer saw Rajasthan over the line with five balls to spare.
Joffra Archer finishes match in sensational style! Unexpected result must say after KKR scored 170+. Rajasthan Royals deserve hugr credit for winning this match without major contributions from Rahane, Samson, Smith and Stokes. How about gutsy young Parag as MOM?
Complete results, schedules and statistics available on the official IPL website.
Thursday Recap
An otherwise poor batting performance from the Knight Riders was rescued by Karthik, as he delivered a captain's display.
He strode to the crease with his team toiling at 42 for three in the ninth over and struggled to find a consistent partner during his time out in the middle. Karthik wasn't deterred though, as he took it upon himself to propel Kolkata to a respectable total.
In his 50 balls, he struck an incredible nine sixes and seven fours, giving his team a crucial injection of momentum.
The CricViz Analyst summed up how varied his shot-making was and noted how well Karthik accelerated late on:
Excellent innings from @KKRiders's captain Dinesh Karthik. He scored 55 off 18 (at 18.33 rpo) at the death with only 5% false shots. Targeted Unadkat scoring 34 off 14. Scored at a strike rate of 258.3 through the on-side compared to 152.2 through the off-side. #IPL2019#KKRvRRpic.twitter.com/SCllziMAH3
Per Broken Cricket, only one player has managed to make a better individual score than the captain's unbeaten 97 for Kolkata in the history of the IPL:
The fact that nobody was able to get close to Karthik's score meant that the Knight Riders were still vulnerable to a successful Rajasthan chase.
The Royals flew out of the traps too, with Ajinkya Rahane and Sanju Samson putting on 53 for the first wicket after just 5.2 overs. However, Rahane (34) fell and Samson (22) was out five balls later. Disappointing efforts from Smith and Stokes meant the impetus had gone from the chase.
Sunil Narine took the key wickets of Rahane and Smith, and he was brilliantly backed up by Piyush Chawla:
DYK? Piyush Chawla becomes the first #KKR bowler to take a three-wicket haul in an #IPL match this season! Bowlers from the other seven sides have already managed to do this. #IPL2019#KKRvRR
Rajasthan's chase appeared to be fizzling out, although a mature knock from Parag ensured their chance remained. The teenager played sensibly early on, before taking a number of risks late in the innings, bringing the required rate down.
While he eventually fell for 47, he'd done enough to give the Royals an opportunity heading into the final two overs. The dynamic Archer was on hand to finish the job, as he hammered 27 from just 12 balls to give the Royals a much-needed win.
