Mohali: Two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday suffered a shocking 14-run loss against Kings XI Punjab in Match 49 played at IS Bindra Stadium in Chandigarh. Chasing a modest 167-run total, KKR lost the match despite a good start.
While skipper Gautam Gambhir and other fans were disappointed with the performance, franchise owner Shah Rukh Khan posted a wonderful message for the team after the loss.
The Bollywood superstar, who follows the game keenly, took to Twitter to motivate his team and praised Australian batsman Chris Lynn for his brilliant knock.
“Lost our way a bit tonight…does not mean we can’t reach the destination. Onward with more resolve…lov u boys. @lynny50 well played. Ami KKR,” SRK tweeted.
Lost our way a bit tonight…does not mean we can’t reach the destination. Onward with more resolve…lov u boys. @lynny50 well played. Ami KKR
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) May 9, 2017
Lynn, who made a comeback into the squad in their previous match after missing out on several games due to a shoulder injury, produced a sensational 84-run knock off just 52 balls.
Needing a win today to keep their play-off hopes alive, KXIP could put up just 167 for 6 after being put into bat. But their spinners bowled their hearts out to defend the total in front of the home crowd.
The home side restricted KKR to 153 for 6 to win the match and remain in contention for a knock-out berth with 12 points from 12 matches. They are now at fifth spot in the league table.
The home side also produced a fantastic fielding performance, including a brilliant catch by Axar Patel to dismiss Robin Uthappa.
The pick of the KXIP bowlers was Rahul Tewatia who took 2 wickets for 18 runs from his two overs while Mohit Sharma got 2/24 from 3 overs. Sandeep Sharma did not take a wicket but conceded just 31 runs from his four overs.
KKR, who have already booked a play-offs berth, also remained at second spot with 16 points from 13 matches.
The visiting side made a rollicking start but lost the way later on as wickets in a heap after the KXIP bowlers put pressure by drying up the runs in the later half of run chase.
(With PTI inputs)
Source: Zee News