IPL: Russell hits crucial 42 in KKR’s victory over Punjab Kings

A well composed fifty from captain Nitish Rana and a crucial 42 from Andre Russell helped the Kolkata Knight Riders win an exciting last-ball thriller over the Punjab Kings in their Indian Premier League (IPL) fixture at Eden Gardens on Monday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Kings posted 179-7 off their 20 overs, thanks to a top-score of 57 off 47 balls from captain Shikhar Dhawan.

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy led the way with 3-26 from his four overs, while pacer Harshit Rana took 2-33 from three overs for the Knight Riders.

In reply, captain Nitish Rana made a 38 ball 51, while Andre Russell contributed 42 and Jason Roy 38 as the Knight Riders successfully reached 182-5 off their 20 overs.

Russell’s knock came off just 23 balls and included a 20-run penultimate over leaving the Knight Riders needing six to win off the last over.

The Jamaican fell off the penultimate ball of the match with KKR needing two to win before Rinku Singh, who finished 21* off 10 balls, hit the final ball bowled by Arshdeep Singh for four to seal the win.

Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar took 2-23 off his four overs for Punjab. (Sportsmax)