IPL 2020, KKR vs CSK: Chennai Super Kings lose way, Kolkata Knight Riders grab a win

Kolkata Knight Riders are back to winning ways, beating Chennai Super Kings by 10 runs in their IPL-13 match in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.


It was a marvellous effort by KKR to say the least. Defending a modest total of 167, KKR bowlers pulled things back after Chennai openers Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis got them to a steady start. Shivam Mavi (1/32) had Du Plessis caught behind off a short and wide delivery. But it didn't deter Watson (50). The Australian played some exquisite shots to lead the charge along with Ambati Rayudu (30).

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Pat Cummins' inability to pick wickets did hurt the Kolkata outfit but skipper Dinesh Karthik did a smart job in rotating his bowlers. Despite being 101/2 in 13 overs, CSK lost track when Kamlesh Nagarkoti dismissed Rayudu. Very soon, Sunil Narine had Watson trapped leg before.

Skipper MS Dhoni (11) was left with the finisher's job once again but to no avail. With 44 needed of the last four overs, Varun Chakravarthy (1/28) wrecked Dhoni's woodwork before Andre Russell wrapped things off as the CSK innings folded for 157/5.

Electing to bat first, KKR seemed to have lost their way despite Tripathi's 51-ball 81. A total of around 180 looked possible. So, they would have been disappointed after ending at 167 in 20 overs.


In fact, Tripathi, promoted to open the innings in place of Narine, virtually played a lone hand as none of the other batsmen managed to reach even 20. Chennai bowlers not only choked the Kolkata batsmen, they grabbed wickets at regular intervals to prevent the rivals from settling down. The biggest partnership was the opening stand between Tripathi and Shubman Gill.

Tripathi played a confident knock, moving well around the crease and looked comfortable handling the CSK bowlers. He used his nimble footwork to unsettle both pacers and spinners alike.



Dhoni used five bowlers, all completing their 4 overs quota. Barring pacer Deepak Chahar, who went for 47, none of the others let the KKR batsmen open their shoulders. Gill nicked one to keeper Dhoni while trying to pull Shardul Thakur's (2/28) cross seam delivery on the off stump.

Managing 52/1 in the powerplay, KKR looked poised for a good show before Nitish Rana was sent back by leggie Karn Sharma (2/25), who replaced Piyush Chawla in the squad. Sharma accounted for Narine too and KKR had their back against the wall.

Eoin Morgan and Andre Russell too went back without adding much. With Tripathi returning to the hut after a soft dismissal off Dwayne Bravo (3/37), the Knights knew 170 would be improbable.



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