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Xtra Time Web Desk: In a thrilling showdown at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens on 21^st April, Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir showered praise on Royal Challengers Bengaluru following their clash in the IPL 2024. Gambhir, taking to his official X account, lauded the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for their phenomenal character displayed during the match against KKR.

Here’s the post:

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Summarizing the intense encounter, RCB skipper Faf Du Plessis won the toss and opted to field first. Phil Salt's explosive innings of 48 off just 14 balls, embellished with seven fours and three sixes, bolstered the two-time champions' total in the powerplay. Despite wickets tumbling at regular intervals, contributions from skipper Shreyas Iyer (50 off 36 balls), Rinku Singh (24 off 16 balls), Andre Russell (27* off 20 balls), and Ramandeep Singh (24* off nine balls) propelled KKR to a formidable total of 222/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Cameron Green emerged as the standout bowler for RCB with figures of 2/35, while Yash Dayal also chipped in with two wickets but conceded 56 runs. Mohammed Siraj and Lockie Ferguson managed to scalp a wicket each.

In their pursuit of the target, RCB encountered early setbacks with the dismissals of Virat Kohli (18) and Faf Du Plessis (7). However, a remarkable 102-run partnership between Will Jacks (55 off 32 balls) and Rajat Patidar (52 off 23 balls) revived RCB's hopes.

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Nevertheless, impactful spells from Andre Russell (3/25) and Sunil Narine (2/34) swung the momentum back in KKR's favour. Despite Karn Sharma's valiant effort, smashing three sixes in the final over, RCB fell agonizingly short by just one run, getting bowled out for 221 in their allotted 20 overs. Andre Russell was bestowed with the 'Player of the Match' award for his all-round brilliance. Following this gripping encounter, KKR ascended to the second position in the IPL 2024 standings with five wins and two losses, accumulating 10 points. Conversely, RCB languished at the bottom of the table with only one win and seven losses, totalling a mere two points.