IPL 2019 - Match 52 Subhman Gill Keeps KKR’s Playoff Hopes Alive

Both teams were desperate to win the match to acquire a spot for the playoffs, as Kolkata opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Punjab was struggling as they lose the 1^st wicket of Lokesh Rahul (2 out; 7b) in the 3^rd over, KXIP at 19-1 after 3 overs. Chris Gayle (14 out; 14b; 2X4) was starting to look dangerous after hitting 2 back-to-back fours of Sandeep Warrier’s 1^st over, but Warrier came back with the perfect response, as he scalps Chris Gayle in the 5^thover, Punjab 28-2 after the powerplay. However, Nicholas Pooran (48 out; 27b; 3X4, 4X6) and Mayank Agarwal were building a partnership with good strikes. At the end of 10^th over, Nitish Rana dismissed Nicholas Pooran stopping the run flow, as Punjab stood at 91-3 after 11 overs. Mayank agarwal (36 out; 26b; 2X4, 1X6) got run out in the 14^th over trying to run a 2^nd one. As Sam Curran started to settle down Punjab started hoping for a decent target on board. Mandeep Singh (25 out; 17b; 1X4, 1X6) contributed few runs before departing in the 18^th over, Punjab at 151-5 after 18 overs. Skipper Ashwin (0 out; 3b) was a no show at the end, facing 3 balls and scoring none as he heads back to the KXIP dugout at the start of 19^th over. Sam Curran (55 not out; 24b; 7X4, 2X6) was the lone man to put pressure on KKR bowling attacks, firing shots across Mohali stadium, as KXIP put on board 183 runs from 20 overs with the loss of 6 wickets.

Kolkata Knight Riders got the desired start they hoped for, as Subhman Gill and Chris Lynn were easily scoring runs, putting up 47 runs in the first 5 overs only. Subhman Gill brings up his 50 in the 6^th over, but Chris Lynn (46 out; 26b; 5X4, 3X6) after hitting a six and boundary of Andrew Tye, succumbs in the next ball, as KKR stood at 62-1 after 6 overs. Robin Uthhapa (22 out; 14b; 2X4, 1X6) put another cameo, adding 22 more to scoreboard, but falls in the 11^th over, as KKR needed 82 off 54 balls. Andre Russell (24 out; 14b; 2X4, 2X6) had his shares to contribute in his short time on the crease. As KKR needed 33 off 30 balls, Subhman Gill (65 not out; 49b; 5X4, 2X6)and skipper Dinesh Karthik (21 not out; 9b; 2X4, 1X6) sailed KKR to a well-earned victory with 2 overs to spare.