KKR defeated Punjab Kings by 5 wickets, chasing down the 180-run successful goal off the final ball of the innings, with Russell scoring a 23-ball 43 studded with three fours and as many maximums.
Russell punished PBKS fast Sam Curran within the penultimate over of the innings, hitting the England bowler for 3 sixes earlier than the West Indian was run out, leaving Rinku Singh to attain the successful runs.
Rinku smashed a boundary of the final ball to win the match for KKR.
“Ten matches have gone, we were all waiting for that one Russell innings to come. He was one innings away, I kept backing him saying you have done a lot, and you will 100 per cent win us a game,” stated Nitish Rana.
01:30
KKR vs PBKS IPL 2023 Highlights: Kolkata clinch last-ball thriller to remain alive
Rana additionally conceded he was indignant together with his bowlers conceding runs within the final couple of overs to let PBKS rating a aggressive 179/7.
“This pitch was a feel of home advantage as well. Our bowlers bowled badly at the death, I was angry that we conceded that many because this was a 160-165 run wicket.
Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan lamented the lack of a quality off-spinner in his side, though leg-spinner Rahul Chahar did bowl a tight spell.
“I really feel that we do not have a great off-spinner. When left-handers come, from one finish we now have a leg-spinner and on the different finish we now have a left-arm spinner (Harpreet Brar). So that is the place I really feel we’re leaking a little bit of runs. This wicket was providing flip as nicely so I really feel that is the place we took the hit,” stated Shikhar.
Dhawan did sound dejected now that they are staring at relegation.
“Not feeling that nice. We misplaced the sport and it was not a simple monitor to bat on and I really feel that we placed on a great complete. At the tip, they performed nicely.
“It was great, phenomenal effort from Arshdeep (Singh) and the way he has bounced back from the last game, all credit goes to him. It was quite interesting that he took the game to the last ball so it was really good,” added Shikhar.
(With inputs from PTI)
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com