Twitter Reactions: Kolkata Knight Riders end RCB’s winning streak to get back to winning ways

Kolkata Knight Riders. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Kolkata Knight Riders finally bounced back to winning ways after defeating the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 36th match of the Indian Premier League 2023. Having lost multiple games on the trot, KKR finally found their mojo back, courtesy of brilliant batting performances from Jason Roy and skipper Nitish Rana, followed by combined efforts from the bowlers, as they beat RCB by 21 runs.

It all started with RCB’s stand-in captain Virat Kohli winning the toss and electing to bowl first. Kohli continued to lead the side as regular skipper Faf du Plessis had still not recovered from his rib injury, which restricted him from fielding. RCB bowlers struggled to get going as KKR opener Jason Roy got the innings off to a fiery start, notching up a half-century off just 22 deliveries. Narayan Jagadeesan assisted Roy well as the duo put up an 83-run opening stand before the former walked off in the 10th over.

Vijaykumar Vyshak, after sending Jagadeesan back to the pavilion, sent Roy packing in the same over to hand RCB the much-needed breakthrough in the game. Skipper Nitish Rana then took the onus of scoring runs and notched up a quick-fire 21-ball 48. After his dismissal, Rinku Singh (18* off 10) and David Wiese (12* off 3) went bonkers, thereby helping their side post a 201-run target.

RCB openers Faf and Kohli started off really well, but the former could not continue his form from the previous game and failed to convert the start into a big one. The duo shared a 31-run partnership off 14 deliveries before Faf was dismissed, and to add to their misery Shahbaz Ahmed and Glenn Maxwell were dismissed cheaply as KKR managed to get three wickets within the powerplay, as RCB stood at 58/3 after six overs.

Virat Kohli stood strong on one end and saw four of his partners being dismissed as he looked to build a worthy partnership. He managed to get his half-century, but Venkatesh Iyer’s brilliance near the boundary ropes saw Kohli finding his way back to the dugout. Things fell out of place after Kohli’s dismissal, as no other batter was able to put up a remarkable knock.

KKR bowlers did a brilliant job in restricting their opposition batters from chasing the target at a venue that is known to be supportive of the teams chasing. In the final over, RCB needed 25 runs to win with David Willey and Vyshak on strike. Only a miracle could have saved RCB from the loss, as KKR defended their score of 200 and clinched a 21-run victory, and got back on the winning track.