IPL 2021, Match 31: KKR vs RCB, Stats Review: Virat Kohli scripts history, Dinesh Karthik’s landmark and more stats

While Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were on a roll in the first leg of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, they haven’t kick-started the UAE leg on an emphatic note. Facing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their first match after season resumption, RCB suffered a humiliating nine-wicket defeat at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. It was indeed a comprehensive win for the two-time champions as RCB never really looked in the hunt.

As far as the proceedings of the game are concerned, the coin landed in RCB’s favour and Virat Kohli opted to bowl. The decision didn’t prove to be fruitful by any means as the Bangalore-based side suffered a top-order collapse. While skipper Kohli got out for five, the likes of Devdutt Padikkal, Srikar Bharat (wk), and Glenn Maxwell got starts.

Unfortunately for RCB, none of the three could play a substantial knock. Even, AB de Villiers, who has rescued RCB from numerous batting collapses, got out for a golden duck. As a result, RCB skittled out for just 92 runs. Chasing the mediocre total, KKR didn’t break a sweat.

Shubman Gill joined forces with debutant Venkatesh Iyer and the duo attacked RCB bowlers from the outset. They added 82 runs for the first wicket, making sure there’s no twist in the tale. As a result, KKR won the game by nine wickets, reaching the target in just 10 overs. With this win, KKR jumped to fifth place in the team standings while RCB remained at the third position.

Meanwhile, here are the important stats and numbers from the KKR vs RCB clash in IPL 2021:

200 – Virat Kohli became the first player to play 200 IPL matches for a franchise. Overall, he’s the fifth to get the feat.

114 – Dinesh Karthik now has 114 catches in IPL, joint-most for any wicketkeeper. Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni has also taken as many catches in the gala tournament.

6 – RCB recorded their sixth-lowest total in IPL history (92).

3 – This was the third instance of KKR restricting RCB below 100 in an IPL match.

1 – For the very first time, KKR didn’t concede a single six while bowling first in an IPL match.

6 – AB de Villiers recorded his sixth golden duck in the Indian Premier League.

10 – De Villiers now has 10 ducks in IPL, second-most for any overseas player after Glenn Maxwell (11).

60 – This is the largest victory for KKR in IPL history by balls remaining (60).