Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (20/4) gave a match winning performance. This was a different pitch, an unexpected one on a high scoring venue. Bowlers played the role of game changers on this pitch. Although, it was a low scoring encounter but an intimidating one. Until the 18th over of the second innings, both teams were in a fight.
Earlier, Kolkata’s batting was a complete flop and they scored 128 runs in 18.5 overs for the loss of all wickets. In response, Royal Challengers Bangalore scored 132 runs in 19.2 overs for the loss of 7 wickets. Bangalore needed 7 runs in the last over and Dinesh Karthik hit a six off the very first ball. On the next ball, he ensured victory with a four. This is RCB’s first win of the IPL 2022.
The big reason behind the loss of Kolkata Knight Riders was their misunderstanding of the conditions. The pitch demanded a sensible batting style. Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers were right on the money since the beginning of the match. Every KKK batsman intended to score quick runs which ultimately led to their downfall.
Wanindu Hasaranga Makes A Remarkable Comeback For RCB
Kolkata Knight Riders kept throwing wickets in an urge to score quick runs. However, it wasn’t a 200 runs wicket. Soon, KKR’s team lost six wickets for 67 runs. However, due to the good performance of the lower order, KKR managed to cross 100 runs.
Chasing 129, Royal Challengers Bangalore didn’t start well with the bat. Umesh Yadav sent back two of the most experienced batsmen to the dugout. Kohli scored 12 and Faf Cu Plessis scored 5 runs. Down the order, Willey and Rutherford built a decent partnership and allowed Royal Challengers Bangalore to come back in the game.
Kolkata Knight Riders bowlers kept bowling at tight lines and lengths which made the match interesting. In particular, spinners bowled well in middle overs. A few missed runout chances gave RCB confidence to win the match.
However, even after this excellent bowling performance of Hasranga, it was not easy for RCB to win this match. Umesh Yadav and Saudi gave early shocks to Royal Challengers Bangalore. After which Narine and Varun Chakraborty also troubled Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, later with the innings of Sharfane Rutherford, Shahbaz Ahmed and Dinesh Karthik, RCB won the match with three wickets remaining. With the loss in this match, Kolkata Knight Riders slipped to 6th place in the points table.