Last Update on: May 2nd, 2022 at 11:43 pm
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) finally managed to get over the line after 5 failed attempts as they defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their return leg at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday.
Coming into the game, KKR was on a losing streak and another loss would have dented their chances. They opted to bowl first and let Rajasthan do what they do best – defend totals.
Devdutt Padikkal fell early to Umesh Yadav and the onus was once again on Jos Buttler. He played a scratchy 25-ball 22 before falling to Tim Southee. Sanju Samson then played the role of the anchor while others chipped in with cameos.
Samson top-scored with a rather uncharacteristic 49-ball 54 where he just couldn’t accelerate. Shimron Hetmyer played a crisp 13-ball 27 at the end which propelled the total to 152/5.
In response, Aaron Finch’s woes continued as he fell to the pacy Kuldeep Sen. Baba Andrajith opened the innings in the absence of Venkatesh Iyer, who was dropped. He couldn’t contribute much, falling after scoring 15.
Shreyas Iyer and Nitish Rana then stitched a 60-run partnership which steadied the innings before the impressive Rinku Singh applied the finishing touches on the game with an excellent cameo (42 off 23 balls).
The win takes KKR above Punjab Kings and into the seventh spot. As for Rajasthan, the loss means they miss the chance to go into the top two and will remain in the third spot for the time being.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to KKR vs RR:
KKR Back to winning, that too against a solid performing side this season. Very happy for Anukul Roy. A decent all rounder.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 2, 2022
Really like Rinku Singh. Excellent in the field and showing a calm head in the chase.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 2, 2022
Well done Rinku Singh. 👊🏻 #KKRvRR #IPL2022
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) May 2, 2022
Rinku's knocks in the last 2 games didn't get enough recognition as KKR lost both matches. Important to note here that his 23(16) vs DC came after he got demoted to No.8.
Glad that he is making all his opportunities count after the superb SMAT20 season he had with UP.#KKRvsRR
— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) May 2, 2022
Rinku Singh in #IPL2022: 35(28), 23(16) & 42*(23) – he is just 24 years old and has been a game changer with bat for KKR.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 2, 2022
Thanks to Rinku Singh, non-KKR fans can also be a little happy with this finish. #IPL
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) May 2, 2022
Congratulations to team @KKRiders for winning today’s game. Both @rinkusingh235 and Nitesh Rana sealed the victory. Rinku and mavi both from UP are really doing well @IPL
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) May 2, 2022
WelWell played nitish and lord rinku🔥#KKRvRR #KKRHaiTaiyaar pic.twitter.com/vr2TeOXOAh#KKRvRR
— Mohsin Srkian (@mohsin_srkian3) May 2, 2022
Playing with 3 foreign player will never work…do u think karun is better than Rassie and Neesham
And from last two match Hetmyer… hasn't capitalised last over that also a big reason..along with very poor power play batting…@rajasthanroyals #RRvKKR— Khan (@Khanmohammed12) May 2, 2022
This is how #KKRAdmin is going to sleep tonight#KKRHaiTaiyaar #KKRvRR #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/orKjivJu1E
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 2, 2022