KKR vs KXIP Highlights : Hosts Kolkata Knight Riders eased to a 28-run victory over Kings XI Punjab in the KKR vs KXIP IPL 2019 match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday. (Related Links : IPL 2019 Schedule | KKR vs KXIP Scorecard | IPL 2019 Points Table)
It was a high-scoring game with the Kolkata Knight Riders piling up 218 for 4 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first by Kings XI Punjab. Sunil Narine, who opened the batting provided the early momentum with 24 from nine balls. The takeoff was provided by Robin Uthappa (67 not out from 50 balls) and Nitish Rana (63 from 34 balls) through their 110-run partnership for the second wicket.
Andre Russell provided the finishing touches with 48 not out from 17 balls with five sixes.
In their run chase, Kings XI Punjab lost the dangerous Chris Gayle early for 20 from 13 balls, as the southpaw fell to his fellow West Indian Andre Russell. Mayank Agarwal, at no.3 scored 58 from 34 balls to revive the hopes for the visitors.
KKR vs KXIP Highlights – Kolkata down Punjab by 28 runs. Photo courtesy of JokerDurden/Wikipedia.org.
Towards the end, David Miller with 59 not out from 40 balls and Mandeep Singh with 33 from 15 balls tried to keep Kings XI Punjab in the contest but the target was a bit too much for them. Kings XI Punjab finished the match at 190 for 4.
Andre Russell was the Man of the Match of the KKR vs KXIP IPL 2019 match for his all-round performance as per the KKR vs KXIP Highlights.
Upon receiving the award, Andre Russell said: “I think I have to make a bigger garage with all these cars and awards. Well done to the guys for playing good cricket. Gayle is like a brother to me, the bigger legend. To get him out early was great. The plan was to bowl tight to him and restrict him. I am happy that I could get the job done. We discussed and executed our plays for KL Rahul as well.”
On his dismissal of Chris Gayle, Andre Russell said: “Today I hit some big ones, but he (Gayle) is still the bigger hitter. Thanks to that guy was outside the ring. It’s the new guy, I forgot his name, but well done. Thank you. When I got bowled, I was like… Mmmm I missed out tonight. But then when I saw everyone in the dugout signalling no ball then I was like please God let this be a free-hit for front foot, but I realised it was the guy outside the circle and I just capitalized on that. You don’t get these things everyday. You have to maximize on these opportunities.”