[Watch] KKR defeat RCB by 1 run despite Karn Sharma's sixes in a thrilling final over by Mitchell Starc
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) held off the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by one-run in a thrilling contest at Eden Gardens on Sunday, April 21. The Faf du Plessis-led outfit almost recorded their first chase in excess of 200 since the 2010 edition, but fell short at the last hurdle.
RCB were favorites at one point during the run chase after sitting comfortably at 137-3 in the 12th over. However, KKR's veteran duo of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine responded with wickets to bring the contest back to an even keel.
Dinesh Karthik was RCB's one final hope, and although the former KKR skipper scored 25 runs off 18 deliveries, he was dismissed off the final ball of the penultimate over to seemingly end the proceedings.
With tail ender Karn Sharma at the crease against fiery pacer Mitchell Starc, and the latter having 21 runs to defend, it was deemed a no contest. However, Karn Sharma brought RCB back from the dead by scoring three sixes off the first four deliveries.
Sharma got a lifeline in the second delivery of the over though. The left-handed batter had nicked one back to Phil Salt behind the stumps. However, upon review, it was adjudged by third umpire that the catch did not carry, which left the English wicketkeeper incensed.
With three required off two deliveries, Starc took a brilliant reflex catch to reduce RCB to 220-9. Former KKR player Lockie Ferguson heaved the final delivery towards extra cover, and tried to run two.
However, an acrobatic effort by Phil Salt ensured a run-out and brought an end to a memorable encounter.
Have a look at the final over right here:
This marks RCB's sixth defeat in a row in the 2024 IPL. The franchise are all but out of the playoffs race and remain rooted to the last spot in the points table.
"We were desperate, 10/10 from an effort perspective" - RCB skipper Faf du Plessis on the heart-breaking defeat
RCB had made three changes to their side in a bid to reverse their fortunes. The likes of Mohammed Siraj, Cameron Green, and Karn Sharma returned to the playing XI. However, despite an improvement from their recent set of performances, it was not enough.
Furthermore, Kohli's controversial dismissal and the collapse in the middle overs all played their part in the narrow defeat.
"We were desperate, 10/10 from an effort perspective, the way we put up the effort in the ground, the faces told the story. We've got an unbelievable fan base, we want to make them happy, we want them to have a smile on their face. We'll have to continue putting in our efforts and try to change things around," RCB skipper Faf du Plessis said.
RCB have a set of away contests lined up next, before they return home to face the Gujarat Titans (GT).