IPL 2018, KKR vs CSK: 18-ball massacre from Dinesh Karthik is SK Turning Point of the match
The Kolkata Knight Riders gained three crucial points against the Chennai Super Kings with a six-wicket victory at the Eden Gardens on Thursday (May 3).
This win was imperative for the hosts as they moved themselves to No. 3 on the points table.
They won the toss and decided to bowl first on a pitch that has extracted high first-innings scores this season.
CSK began well but faltered halfway through the innings. However, a characteristically strong finish from MS Dhoni powered them to a par total of 177 for five at the end of 20 overs.
The Chennai skipper scored 43 unbeaten runs off just 25 deliveries, adding yet another impressive knock to his glittering track record in the tournament this year.
KKR were in a perilous position halfway through the second innings, having lost four wickets for 97 runs within the first 12 overs.
Their skipper, though, came into the middle at No. 6 and changed the complexion of the game with a blistering cameo.
Dinesh Karthik's incredible knock of 45 off just 18 deliveries, thus, was the SK Turning Point of the match.
The wicket-keeper looked to take the attack to the opposition from the outset and was highly successful in his attempt on the day.
The aggressive yet composed intent of his batting proved to be a breath of fresh air in KKR's tepid display with the willow and added the required zing to take them over the line against the Men in Yellow.
The skipper joined Shubman Gill in the middle in the 12th over of the innings and remained unbeaten through the chase to take his side home in just 17.4 overs.
The former, who was promoted to No. 4 in the absence of Nitish Rana, made most of the opportunity and made an unbeaten half-century on the day.
Karthik was the one who provided the finishing impetus, though, and paved the path for his team with his terrific stroke-making.
The right-hander smashed seven fours and one massive six against the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, and Lungi Ngidi, and ended his innings with a terrific batting strike rate of 250.
CSK are at the top of the points table despite facing defeat against KKR and remain one of the favourites to make it to the playoffs stage this year.
The Kolkata franchise, on the other hand, has secured a very important victory that can prove to be pivotal to their campaign this season.
They now have five wins in nine games, sitting four points ahead of RCB, who are directly behind them in the league at the moment.
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