IPL 10, Match 30, RPS vs KKR: 5 Tracking Points

Kolkata Knight Riders were coming into this game with immense confidence and so were Rising Pune Supergiant. Pune had beaten Mumbai Indians in their fortress and were looking to build on that while Kolkata had demolished Bangalore at Eden Gardens by bowling them out on just 49.

Both the teams were looking to strengthen their positions as the game at the MCA Stadium promised to be a cracker. Pune batted extremely well against one of the best attacks in the league to score a total of 182 in their twenty overs but they needed to bowl well and field well to win the game.

However, that was not the case as RPS were ordinary in their bowling effort and gave the match away fairly easily. Let us see how the game unfolded in the five Tracking points of this encounter.

1. RPS openers do the job yet again

Rahul Tripathi and Ajinkya Rahane have been fantastic for Pune over the last few matches as the former has scored 30 plus scores in the last five consecutive games. Tripathi has given a sense of confidence to the batting lineup with his fearless batting and sound technique. He has gelled up with Rahane well and given Pune a good start each and every time.

Today was no exception as the pair put up a solid 65-run partnership for the first wicket a laid a perfect foundation for the middle order.

2. Smith hits form at the right time

Steven Smith was struggling to get runs under his belt after a magnificent start to the campaign. The captain was not finding the middle of the bat in the previous matches as he was unable to convert his starts into big scores but today he came out with intent and scored a great fifty under pressure.

Smith scored 51 of just 37 deliveries hitting four boundaries and one maximum in the process. His innings helped Pune get to a commendable total of 182 in their 20 overs.

3. Catches win matches

MS Dhoni worked his magic to get the in form Sunil Narine out but the job was yet to be done. Everyone was aware of Robin Uthappa’s liking for the MCA stadium as he has some big scores on the ground. Uthappa was still finding his feet when Jaydev Unadkat dropped him and eventually dropped the match.

Uthappa was just on 12 off 12 deliveries and then went on to score 87 of just 47 deliveries taking KKR within touching distance of victory before succumbing to a slower one for Unadkat.

4. Gambhir fires again

Gambhir has been one of the best batters of IPL 2017 so far and has been in superb form. His form is the key to KKR’s success and he has been right on the money with his batting and the captaincy as well. Narine was sent back early today as KKR struggled throughout the powerplay only to get a move on later on.

Gambhir in this crunch situation made sure he stuck in there and dug deep. He and Uthappa counter-attacked and it was good enough to topple the tame Supergiant. Gambhir scored 62 of 46 deliveries hitting 6 fours and 1 maximum.

5. Kolkata goes top of the league

Mumbai were looking invincible before Pune beat them the other day and Kolkata had an opportunity to take the cozy seat at the top of the league table. This game was a crucial one because had Pune won this game it would have opened the gates for the other teams to take advantage but Kolkata have strengthened their place in the top four and maybe will finish in the top two as well.

Today’s 7-wicket victory means KKR sit with 12 points on the top of the table with a better net run rate than Mumbai.