Andre Russell’s speedy 70 runs helped Kolkata Knight Riders beat Punjab Kings by six wickets. KKR pursued a simple goal of 138 runs in only 14.3 overs.
PBKS bowlers had a tough time breaking their partnership with Russell with Sam Billings, who scored 24 runs.
Punjab Kings posted an easy chase total of 137 while losing wickets to KKR’s bowling attack. Umesh Yadav, as well as Tim Southee, shining with the ball.
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Chasing 138 for victory, The Knight Riders were looking in danger at 51/4, with Ajinkya Rahane (12), Venkatesh Iyer (3), as well as captain Shreyas Iyer (26) and Nitesh Rana (0), returning to the dugout.
Russell helped them out and hit sixes with ease while Russell, along with Sam Billings, guided them to victory.
Russell playing mostly sixes, took eight hits across the boundary line and two fours while Russell was unbeaten for 70 runs from 31 deliveries.
Along with Sam Billings (24 not out), he added 90 runs to the fifth wicket partnership that was not completed when KKR hit 141/4 in 14.3 overs.
KKR won the toss in the earlier game, and Shreyas Iyer chose to start bowling first. Punjab King’s batters never settled before their KKR bowling attack, but they did get Kagiso Rabada, who scored 25 runs towards the end of the innings to add an impressive total for this new team.
