[Watch] Arshdeep Singh executes crucial run out of Andre Russell in the penultimate ball of the KKR-PBKS clash
Punjab Kings (PBKS) seamer Arshdeep Singh ran out Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Andre Russell off the penultimate ball of the match with KKR needing two runs to win in the all-important clash at Eden Gardens on Monday, May 8.
After an expensive 20-run over by all-rounder Sam Curran, which brought the equation to run a ball in the last over, Arshdeep was sensational in the first four balls to take the game into the final two balls.
With two runs required, he nailed a brilliant wide yorker to Russell, who failed to get bat on it and tried to sneak a single off a bye. Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma quickly threw the ball to Arshdeep Singh, who hesitated initially before flicking a throw onto the stumps to catch the West Indian short of his ground, leaving KKR with two to get off the final delivery.
Here is a video of the sequence that led to the big wicket of Russel's run-out:
Unfortunately for PBKS, Arshdeep spoiled his incredible final over with a full toss down the leg side in the final ball, which Rinku Singh struck for a boundary to help seal the thrilling victory for KKR.
Andre Russell showed glimpses of his best form with a match-winning knock of 42 from 23 balls with three fours and as many sixes. He was named the Man-of-the-Match for his impressive showing with the bat.
The victory helped KKR climb to fifth spot on the points table with five wins in 11 games, while the heartbreaking defeat left PBKS in seventh place despite the same win-loss record as KKR.
"I get goosebumps seeing him doing what he's been doing" - Andre Russell on Rinku Singh after KKR's last-ball win against PBKS
Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell was all praise for 25-year-old Rinku Singh, who produced another incredible last-ball boundary to help KKR get over the line against the Punjab Kings.
Earlier in the season, the left-hander struck five consecutive sixes against Yash Dayal with 29 runs needed off five balls to help KKR stun the Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad.
Russell spoke highly of Rinku Singh's incredible finishing ability during the post-match presentation. He said:
"I wanted to finish the game off, but we have a finisher this year in Rinku. He had told me what if the ball beats you, should we go for the run? I said for sure, I have faith in him to finish it last ball. I get goosebumps seeing him doing what he's been doing."
"I have company at the back end, he soaks the pressure off and he's been here for years now, a really hard-working guy. He's very funny outside the field, I try to stay as close to him while we are training," Russell added.
Rinku Singh has had an incredible season thus far, scoring 337 runs at an average of 56.17 and a strike rate of 151.12. The Uttar Pradesh-born youngster has been part of the KKR setup since 2018 but has started coming into his own since last season and has taken his game to greater heights this season.
KKR will take on the Rajasthan Royals in their next game at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, May 11.