All-round RCB beats KKR by three wickets for first win in IPL 2022

Dinesh Karthik brought back memories of the Nidahas Trophy final in 2018 as he slammed a six off Andre Russell in the final over of a thrilling run-chase against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

With seven needed off the last over, Karthik levelled the scores with a pull over deep backward square for six before sealing a three-wicket win with a boundary as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) got its Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign back on track.

Karthik remained unbeaten (14 not out, 7b, 1×4, 1×6) and was ably backed by Harshal Patel (10 n.o., 6b; 2×4). Walking out to bat with their side in a spot of bother, Karthik and Patel forged a 21-run stand to get home with four balls to spare.

After Akash Deep (three for 45) and Wanindu Hasaranga (four for 20) restricted KKR to 128, RCB had a jittery start with Umesh Yadav and Tim Southee removing Anuj Rawat, Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli inside the first three overs. 

As it happened|

IPL 2022, RCB vs KKR Highlights: Bangalore beats Kolkata by three wickets

Harshal Patel becomes second bowler in IPL history to bowl two maidens in a match

 

While Rawat failed to open the account, getting caught behind off Umesh, captain du Plessis (5, 4b; 1×4) was caught by Ajinkya Rahane at point off Southee. Kohli (12, 7b; 2×4) started off with a couple of boundaries, but his innings ended after he was caught behind by Sheldon Jackson off Umesh.

Wobbling at 17 for three, Sherfane Rutherford (28,40b; 1×4, 1×6) put on a 45-run stand with David Willey (18, 28b; 3×4) for the fourth wicket before Sunil Narine dismissed the latter. After Willey’s exit, Rutherford rebuilt with Shahbaz Ahmed (27, 20b; 3×6). But both batters fell in quick succession, raising hopes of a KKR fightback. However, Harshal and Karthik had other plans.

The evening, however, belonged to Akash. The 25-year-old struck on the first ball of his spell, dismissing opener Venkatesh Iyer (10, 14b; 1×4). Rahane (9, 10b; 1×4) tried forging a partnership with captain Shreyas Iyer (13, 10b; 2×4) before being caught by Shahbaz off a Mohammed Siraj delivery. KKR, reeling at 32 for 2, lost a third KKR when Akash removed Nitish Rana (10, 5b; 1×4, 1×6). 

Hasaranga (four for 20), too, tightened the noose. Shreyas holed out to du Plessis at long-on off the Lankan. Russell (25, 18b; 1×4, 3×6) and Sam Billings (14, 15b; 1×6) mounted a riposte before the Englishman offered a dolly to Kohli at long-on, off a Harshal delivery. However, Umesh and Varun Chakravarthy added 27 for the last wicket. But it wasn’t enough in the end.