Kolkata put on an outstanding performance, securing victory by 7 wickets with 21 balls to spare. This win marks a strong comeback for the team after a challenging previous match, solidifying their second-place position on the points table.
Chasing a modest target of 154 runs, Kolkata started aggressively, with Phil Salt and Sunil Narine finding boundaries with ease. Their explosive opening partnership of 79 runs in just 6 overs established early control for Kolkata.
Although Narine's dismissal briefly interrupted the momentum, Rinku Singh's brief appearance couldn't maintain the initial pace. However, captain Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer confidently guided Kolkata to victory, efficiently securing the remaining runs.
Delhi Struggle Despite Moments of Promise
Rishabh Pant's decision to bat first seemed questionable, as Delhi struggled, losing three wickets in the Powerplay. Despite the setback, Pant, alongside Axar Patel and Abishek Porel, showed moments of promise but failed to turn their starts into significant scores. Delhi's innings faced regular wicket losses, putting their total in jeopardy.
Kuldeep Yadav provided stability by scoring an unbeaten 35 runs at the end, lifting Delhi to a respectable total of 153 runs. Kolkata's bowling was exceptional, with Varun Chakaravarthy taking three wickets. Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana also played key roles, each securing two wickets to strengthen Kolkata's formidable bowling effort.
Phil Salt Praises Team Effort
Phil Salt, the star of the chase, expressed satisfaction with his contribution to the team's success in IPL. He praised the bowlers' performance and the team’s recovery from the previous match. Salt emphasised the high-risk approach of going hard at the top but noted that it tilts the odds in their favour. His experience as a wicketkeeper helps him assess the conditions closely, aiding his batting performance.
Salt praised Sunil Narine for his deep understanding of the game and noted their effective communication as partners. The duo's complementary approach of one taking charge while the other rotates the strike plays a significant role in their partnership.
