SHARJAH: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ran, tripped, choked and then finally overcame Delhi Capitals score of 135 runs due to Rahul Tripati’s sixer with just one ball left.
Delhi Capitals (DC) only could set a modest score of 135 for 5 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer batted well for DC.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) reached the total with one ball remaining for the loss of 7 wickets (136 for 7 wickets).
KKR openers Shubman Gill and Venkatesh Iyer completed significant part of the chase with a 96 runs partnership for the first wicket. Venkatesh Iyer reached a well-deserved half century (55 off 41 balls) and Gill scored a run a ball 46 runs. DC managed to get 2 wickets in the 15th & 16th over and had KKR in a spot of bother with two new batsman at the wicket and needing 11 runs off 18 balls. Rabada was successful in taking Dinesh Karthick out for zero in the 18th over. DC found confidence in bowling in the last few overs and pulled KKR back with KKR captain being bowled out by DCs Anrich Nortje for a zero.
KKR needing 7 runs to win in the last over saw DC’s R Ashwin spinning a web over KKR with both Shakib Al Hasan and Suni Narine out for zero. However, Rahul Tripati stood his ground and bravely hit a six to Ashwin’s 5th bowl to ensure KKR reaches the IPL final with one ball remaining. Venkatesh Iyer was named the man of the match.
KKR has made it to the final in 2012 and 2014 and at both times KKR was the IPL champion. In 2012, KKR won by 5 wickets against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). KKR will meet CSK on 15th October at the grand finale (in Dubai). (RZ)
