When Punjab Kings were bowled out for 111 runs in 15.3 overs, all the cricket experts started predicting Kolkata Knight Ruder’s easy win. Even when KKR lost five wickets on a score of 74, former players still backed the visiting franchise to claim two points. However, it turned out to be Punjab’s night as they dismissed the rivals for 95 runs, registering a win by 16 runs.
They managed to defend the lowest total in the history of the Indian Premier League. Yuzvendra Chahal, who was bought for INR 18 crore, finally showed his class and picked up a four-wicket haul, his first in the 18th season. He started the batting collapse by getting rid of KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, and there was no looking back. Despite batting till the No.8 slot, the three-time champions failed to cross the finishing line.
Former India player Aakash Chopra reacted to the outcome of the match.
“One of the Bizzare games. Punjab Kings scored 111 runs but still won the game by 16 runs. This is the same team that conceded 246 runs in their previous game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. This was the same bowling unit that was hammered in Hyderabad but defended 111 runs. I would call it a floodlight robbery,” he said.
He also slammed Kolkata for the way they batted. “KKR have a long batting line-up but they failed to win the contest. The pitch was flat and Kolkata deserve blame for not completing the chase. This loss will pinch them a lot,” he added.
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