Rinku Singh’s 41 and Shreyas Iyer’s half-century went in vain as Lucknow Super Giants defeated the Kolkata Knight Riders by two runs at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai on Wednesday. With the loss, Shreyas Iyer and co have been knocked out of IPL 2022.
Quinton De Kock’s whirlwind unbeaten 140-run knock in the first innings was a little too much for KKR. The South African and LSG skipper KL Rahul stitched a 210-run stand for the opening wicket – the highest first-wicket partnership in IPL history.
The Protea hit 10 boundaries and as many sixes during his 59-ball stay at the crease. Rahul, on the other hand, scored 68 off 51 balls with the help of three fours and four sixes. Sunil Narine was the most economical bowler for KKR. The West Indies star gave away 27 runs in his four-over quota.
Also read: Rahul, De Kock put up highest opening stand in IPL, share 210 runs vs KKR
Chasing 211 runs, the Kolkata Knight Riders were dismissed for 208. Skipper Shreyas Iyer top-scored with 50 runs off 29 balls with the help of four boundaries and three maximums. Nitish Rana made 42. However, it was Rinku Singh’s blistering 15-ball 40 that stood out. The 24-year-old smashed two fours and four maximums.
Mohsin Khan (3/20), Marcus Stoinis (3/23) and K Gowtham (1/23) were among wickets.
Also read: De Kock roars, celebrates ton vs Kolkata Knight Riders in style | Watch
KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer, after the loss, said that this is the best the team has played in IPL 2022. He praised Rinku Singh.
“I am not feeling sad at all. That was one of the best games of cricket I have played. The way we should our character and attitude was simply outstanding. I love the way Rinku got us till the end but unfortunately couldn’t time it when two balls were remaining, he was really sad. I was hoping he could finish the game for us and could have been the hero, but still played a fantastic knock and I am really happy for him,” Iyer said.
Also read: IPL 2022: KL Rahul hits fifty vs KKR, joins David Warner in elite list
Brief Score: Lucknow Super Giants: 210 for no loss in 20 overs (Quinton de Kock 140 not out, KL Rahul 68 not out; Sunil Narine 0/27).
Kolkata Knight Riders: 208 for 8 in 20 overs (Shreyas Iyer 50, Rinku Singh 40; Marcus Stoinis 3/23, Mohsin Khan 3/20).
