IPL 2023: Late strikes from Russell and Rinku help KKR snatch a thrilling last ball win against Punjab

Xtra Time Web Desk: Rinku Singh turned out to be the saviour for KKR once again as he hit the winning boundary off the last ball to power his side to a thrilling 5 wickets win against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2023 match at Eden Gardens on Monday. Andre Russell too came good with the bat to score 42 off 23 balls. Rinku remained not out on 21* off 10 balls. The win sees the Knight Riders jump to fifth spot with 10 points from 11 matches and keep them in the hunt for a playoff berth.

Chasing 180 runs to win, Nitish Rana played a captain’s knock (51 off 38) along with a useful contribution from impact substitute Jason Roy, who scored 38 off 24 balls. Andre Russell played a pivotal role as he muscled his way to 42 runs off just 23 balls, that included three sixes in Sam Curran’s 19th over. Needing six off the final over, Rinku Singh hit a boundary off the last ball bowled by Arshdeep Singh to take his team home.

Earlier, Shikhar Dhawan’s half-century, followed by crucial cameos from Harpreet Brar and Shahrukh Khan guided Punjab Kings to 179 for 7 in 20 overs. Dhawan scored 57 runs 47 balls while Shahrukh hit 21 not out off 8 and Brar scored 17 not out off 9. Varun Chakravarthy (3 for 26) and Harshit Rana (2 for 33) were the pick of the bowlers for KKR.