After a disappointing opening night match, IPL is back with its usual thrilling encounters and close match finishes! Even though it was a poor start from the KKR bowlers, Andre Russell powered the home team to a scintillating six-wicket win over SRH at the Eden Gardens.
After KKR won the toss they decided to bowl first. But it did not turn out to be a good outing for the hosts as Warner scored 85 and Bairstow contributed 39 runs to put up an opening partnership of 118 runs. Following the dismissal of Bairstow, Vijay Shankar joined the occasion and played a superb cameo (40*) to guide SRH to 181 at the fall of 3 wickets. Only Russell picked up two wickets for KKR.
After KKR went in to bat, Nitish Rana provided the early flourish for the hosts with 68 runs. Although Chris Lynn departed early, an 80 run partnership between Rana and Uthappa helped steady the KKR anchor. After Rana and Uthappa were dismissed, it looked like a lost cause for the hosts. The dejected fans had only one hope- the big West Indian Andre Russell!!! And did he live up to the expectations of the KKR fanatics! He took matters into his own hand and played a 19-balls 49 -runs innings, striking 4 fours and 4 sixes much to the delight of the crowd! Shubman Gill played a pivotal role, accompanying Russell and scored the all-important 18 runs from 10 balls. KKR will be facing Kings XI Punjab next and would look forward to carry on the momentum.
