KKR finally win despite Archer & Suryavanshi's efforts
TL;DR
Kolkata Knight Riders secured their first win of the IPL season despite Jofra Archer's impressive start, taking a wicket on the first ball again. Rinku Singh's unbeaten 53 helped KKR recover from a tough position to chase down 156 runs.
Key points
- Kolkata Knight Riders won their first IPL match of the season
- Jofra Archer took a wicket with the first ball for the third match in a row
- Rinku Singh scored an unbeaten 53 to help KKR chase 156 runs
[Reuters]
Kolkata Knight Riders finally won their first match of the Indian Premier League season despite Jofra Archer taking a wicket with the first ball of the innings for the third match in a row.
Archer bowled New Zealand opener Tim Seifert via a flick off his pads and KKR, who had lost five matches this year with one no results, slumped further by falling to 85-6 as they chased 156.
The hosts struggled against Royals spinners by India batter Rinku Singh who capitalised on being dropped on eight by South African Nadre Burger, resurrected the chase and ended 53 not out.
Batting alongside Anukul Roy - left-hander Roy finished unbeaten on 29 from 16 balls - Singh rook two fours and a six from the last over when nine runs were needed.
It sealed a four-wicket win with two balls to spare. England seamer Archer finished with 1-35 from his four overs.
With the bat, Royals failed to capitalise on another platform laid by 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi and fellow opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
They put on 81 in 8.4 overs but Royals managed only 155-9 with no-one passing 20 aftwer Suryavanshi was dismissed for 46 and Jaiswal 39.
The win lifts KKR above Mumbai Indians and off the bottom of the table. Rajasthan missed the chance to go top of the standings and stay third.
[BBC]
Q&A
How did Kolkata Knight Riders win their first IPL match?
Kolkata Knight Riders won their first IPL match by successfully chasing down 156 runs, aided by Rinku Singh's unbeaten 53.
What was Jofra Archer's performance in the match?
Jofra Archer took a wicket with the first ball of the innings for the third consecutive match, dismissing Tim Seifert.
What challenges did KKR face during the match?
KKR faced significant challenges, falling to 85-6 while chasing, but managed to recover thanks to Rinku Singh's performance.
