IPL 10, Match 46, RCB vs KKR: 5 Game Changing Moments

Kolkata Knight Riders were pushed to third by RPS the other night but today they claimed their spot back after an impressive win over hapless RCB. KKR just hit a bump on their way towards qualification but are back on course after today’s win. RCB on the other hand, are rock bottom and will stay there as they have only two wins in 13 games.

Today was a Narine special. After restricting RCB to a modest 158, KKR came out all guns blazing. They smashed a record 105 in the powerplay, giving RCB no chance whatsoever to try and defend the total. Narine and Lynn were the heroes for Kolkata with the bat and Umesh Yadav was also impressive with the bowl.

There were some crunch moments in the game that shaped the match as it happened. Let us look at the five moments that stood out today.

1. Umesh Yadav’s destructive opening spell

Umesh Yadav is in the form of his life. He came into the IPL after a magnificent home season and now has continued to impress in the IPL as well. Today he was at his best as he claimed 3 wickets and two of them were Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle. Gayle was out on the first ball of the match in his 100th IPL game. He was out due to a leading as and Kohli soon disappeared as he was trapped in front on a juicy full toss. Umesh finished with the figures of 3 for 36 in his four overs.

2. Travis Head’s superb half century

RCB were reeling at 34 for 3 when Head walked out in the middle. He and Mandeep steadied the ship as Head got a move on sooner than KKR thought. He played a magnificent knock of 75 to take RCB to a commendable total. At one stage they were on course for another hiding but the Australian saved them. Head scored those 75 runs in just 47 deliveries hitting 5 sixes and 3 fours in the process.

3. Match winning powerplay

With Lynn’s return, everyone thought that Narine’s stint as an opener was done but he was up there taking guard again as the captain held himself back. The experiment worked wonders as Lynn and Narine did something unbelievable. Narine and Lynn scored a staggering 105 runs in the first 6 overs at a run rate of 17.5. A record 105 in the 6 overs is the highest score in the powerplay and it will remain like that for a long time. This powerplay and this start won the game for KKR as they needed just 54 from the next 84 deliveries.

4. Narine’s joint fastest fifty.

No one was expecting Sunil Narine to open today, not even RCB bowlers but he came and conquered. Narine now holds the record for the fastest fifty in the IPL as he scored his half century in just 15 deliveries. He was striking the ball at a strike rate of 317. This was by far the best Narine innings in this year’s IPL. It not only won them the game but also broke a few records.

5. Lynn’s super comeback

Chris Lynn was ruled out of the IPL after he dislocated his shoulder. However, his miraculous recovery was welcomed by KKR. Lynn was in top form before getting injured and today he batted like he was never away from the game. He smashed RCB bowlers all over the park. Lynn scored his half century in 21 balls hitting 5 fours and 4 massive sixes. His return has buoyed the KKR team and the fans as they enter the business end of the tournament.