KKR vs RCB IPL 2024 Match Report: KKR beat RCB by 1 run in a close contest, Kohli's dismissal creates 'controversy'

KKR vs RCB IPL 2024 at Eden Gardens with Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli

Kolkata Knight Riders beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a close contest by 1 run at the Eden Gardens. There were many occasions when the match was balanced and could have gone on the either side, but at the end KKR emerged victorious.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru started their innings well with Virat Kohli and Faf Du Plessis taking on the KKR bowlers. Virat Kohli was the first to go, a controversial decision, followed by Du Plessis. Jacks and Patidar built up a partnership with Jacks bringing up his 50 in 29 balls. Patidar also completed his half century in 21 balls. Jacks and Patidar got out in the same over by Andre Russell. Cameron Green tried to open his hands but he got out on 6. Mahipal Lomror became the second wicket for Sunil Narine in the same over for 4. Dinesh Karthik and Prabhdesai put up some fight at the end but Both got out leaving the chase even tougher. Karan Sharma’s cameo in the end made it a close contest but KKR emerged victorious by 1 run.

Virat Kohli’s dismissal creates ‘controversy’

Virat Kohli got dismissed caught and bowled Harshit on a full toss. Prima Facie it looked as higher than waist height. The field umpire gave him out but decision was referred for DRS by Kohli. The decision was upheld as Kohli was standing outside his crease and thus the ball can’t be called a no ball even if it’s above waist height. As per rule books the decision was correct but cricket fans across the world raised questions on this dismissal.

In the first innings, Kolkata Knight Riders started off in their own style with Phil Salt scoring 48 off 14 balls including 28 off Ferguson’s first over. Sunil Narine was however not able to connect the ball well and he got out scoring 10 of 15 balls. Raghuvanshi and Venkatesh looked good in the middle but they too got out early. KKR were 107 at the loss of 4 wickets after 10 overs with skipper Shreyas Iyer and Rinku Singh in the middle. Singh got out on 24 of 16 balls. Shreyas Iyer brought up his 50 in 35 balls but got out the next ball. Ramandeep and Russell accelerated the scoring rate in last two overs. Kolkata Knight Riders managed 222/6 in their 20 overs. RCB need to chase 223 in the second innings of the match.

Shreyas Iyer’s marvelous innings

Shreyas Iyer played a gem of an innings scoring 50 of 35 balls in a situation where KKR were losing wickets at regular intervals. Shreyas held the wicket from his side and allowed players like Rinku Singh and Andre Russell to open their hands and score some quick runs. His innings built the base for KKR to score 222/6 from their 20 overs after Salt’s 48-run cameo of 14 balls at the start of the innings.

Focussed bowling by the RCB

The RCB bowling was much more disciplined at the start of this match and their focus was getting wickets at regular intervals to check the flow of runs. They successfully implemented their plans and kept getting the KKR batsmen out in the first 10 overs. Faf du Plessis made it clear at the toss itself that they will be going after the wickets. However, RCB bowlers leaked runs in the last 5 overs and KKR were able to make a good total in the end.