Chasing 205, RCB crashed to 123 all-out in response as the home team’s spinners ran amok.©AFP
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee congratulated the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) players after the two-time champions defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday. All-rounder Shardul Thakur hit a half-century off 20 balls, before Varun Chakravarthy’s four-wicket haul ruined the party for RCB in front of a packed Eden Gardens. After the game, Mamata Banerjee congratulated the players for getting a special win in what was their first home game of the season.
“Today’s win is very special as it’s also the first game of the season at Eden Gardens Stadium! Huge congratulations to @KKRiders…every player has given the best of themselves. Good luck in all the games ahead!” , the West Bengal chief minister tweeted.
Today’s win is very special as it is also the first game of the season at Eden Gardens Stadium!
Congratulations @KKRiders…every player gave their best.
Good luck with all upcoming competitions!
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 6, 2023
After being invited to bat, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave KKR a good start with 57 off 44 balls, but the dismissal of the Afghan, along with Andre Russell for a duck the next ball, left the team in trouble.
However, Thakur hit nine fours and three sixes on his 68 knockout to take KKR to 204/7 after a worrying 89-5 in the 12th over.
Thakur’s dominant display put the hosts back in control and a sixth wicket partnership with Rinku Singh secured 103 runs off just 47 balls.
RCB crashed to 123 all out in reply as the home team spinners ran wild, with Varun taking Chakaravarthy 4–15 in less than four overs.
KKR takes on defending champion Gujarat Titans next in Ahmedabad on Sunday and has England opener Jason Roy available.
(with AFP inputs)
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