Cricket Highlights, 13 Oct: IPL 2021 (Qualifier 2)

Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Delhi Capitals by three wickets in one of the most exciting and heart-stopping matches in IPL history to seal their place in the final against Chennai Super Kings on October 15. 

IPL 2021 – Qualifier 2 (Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders)

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) suffered a dramatic collapse in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 Qualifier 2 encounter against Delhi Capitals(DC). This managed to turn a simple chase into a nerve-wracking conclusion. However, a six by Rahul Tripathi off Ravichandran Ashwin in the penultimate over sent them to their third IPL final.

After captain Eoin Morgan opted to field in Sharjah, the KKR bowlers had another outstanding performance choking DC for runs. Shreyas Iyer and Shimron Hetmyer raised their total to 135/5 with a late attack.

Varun Chakravarthy was the highlight for Kolkata when he struck his first ball of the encounter, trapping the dangerous Prithvi Shaw in front for 18 off 12.

Marcus Stoinis rejoined Shikhar Dhawan in the crease after recovering from injury. However, the duo struggled to maintain their scoring rate against Kolkata’s mystery spinners.

Before Shivam Mavi castled Stoinis, the two only managed to score 39 runs in 44 deliveries. Soon after, Shikhar Dhawan was caught at backward point by Chakravarthy’s bowling.

Rishabh Pant also didn’t survive long, as Lockie Ferguson took his wicket. At the death, Shimron Hetmyer hit 17 off 10 balls, while Shreyas Iyer cranked up the tempo in the last few overs to end with 30* off 27 balls.

Shubman Gill and Venkatesh Iyer nearly pulled off the perfect chase for the Knight Riders. With ample time left, they reduced the required run rate to less than run-a-ball.

Iyer scored his third half-century in the IPL and played a fine innings before getting removed by Kagiso Rabada in the 13th over. The starters scored 96 runs.

However, things became more complicated from there. Gill tried to keep things steady at one end, but Nitish Rana lost his wicket in the 16th over, caught in the deep by Anrich Nortje.

Gill was caught behind by Avesh Khan in the next over, and four batters were removed for ducks. Ravichandran Ashwin was on a hat-trick when Kolkata needed six runs off two deliveries.

On the other hand, Tripathi stood his ground to send a half-tracker flying over the ropes and secure the victory for his team.

Scoreboard

Delhi Capitals – 135/5 (20)

Kolkata Knight Riders – 136/7 (19.5)

Result – KKR won by 3 wickets

Player of the match – Venkatesh Iyer

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