IPL 2021: KKR suffer epic choke, MI stretch advantage to 22-6

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) needed 31 runs off 30 deliveries in their IPL 2021 league encounter against Mumbai Indians (MI) when Dinesh Karthik walked out to bat. A fairly simple chase one would say, considering he had Shakib Al Hasan at the other end. Things turn a bit tense off the second delivery bowled by Krunal Pandya, as Shakib walks back. Not a cause of concern yet, with Windies superstar Andre Russell walking out. However, the baggage of history reared its ugly head when it mattered the most, with KKR intent on maintaining their abysmal status quo when compared to the defending champions.

MI had emerged victorious in 21 matches out of a total of 27 played against the Kolkata-based franchise, before the league clash between these teams on Tuesday. The same has now increased to 22 in comparison to 6 wins for KKR, in the most mind-boggling manner possible.

Russell and Karthik who are considered two of the most attacking batsmen in the shortest format, somehow underwent a brain-fade against the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult. What should have been a comfortable chase turned into a horror show for KKR supporters, as an extremely defensive approach and lack of clarity gifted MI a triumph by a margin of 10 runs.

How The Match Unravelled

Nitish Rana was the top run-scorer for the Kolkata-based franchise, scoring 57 runs off 47 deliveries in an innings comprising of six boundaries and two sixes. Shubman Gill provided quality support, chipping in with a 24-ball 33. Gill’s knock comprised of five fours and a maximum.

None of the other batsmen managed to score even 10 runs, which is an indication of a shocking performance with the willow. Rahul Chahar and Trent Boult were the pick of the bowlers for MI, chipping in with four and two wickets respectively.

Earlier, MI were bowled out for 152 with Suryakumar Yadav (56) the leading run-getter. Russell recorded a five-wicket haul, conceding just 15 runs.