As such, In the 49th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in Dubai, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik held his cool and hit an unbeaten 12-ball 18 to assist his team win Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Even a 116-run chase would be difficult to bat on a sluggish surface, according to Dinesh Karthik. His counterattack, on the other hand, ensured that KKR didn’t have enough jitters as the game progressed.
“I thought it was a real good game of cricket. At half-time, I knew it would be a tricky chase because the pitch was difficult. It was just one of those days where I got lucky. This is not a game where you take the game deep. You create opportunities by using the crease, and you play your shots. I think you need to be flexible,” said Dinesh Karthik
After 10 overs, KKR were struggling at 44 for two, with the needed run rate has risen to over seven per over. The innings were then stabilized by Shubman Gill (57) and Nitish Rana (25) who contributed 55 from 59 balls for the third wicket before Dinesh Karthik closed it off.
Dinesh Karthik praised teammate batsman Nitish Rana for taking the contest deep despite playing second fiddle to Shubman Gill.
“I have to give Rana a lot of respect; he was second fiddle to Shubman. He recognized it was pointless to match him shot for shot. The 36-year-old stumper continued, “He took his time and then hit a few of tremendous hits.”
Rajasthan Royals
KKR is fourth in the IPL 2021 points table with 12 points after six wins from 13 games. With the win, they are one win away from making the playoffs. In Sharjah, KKR will meet Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their final league match.
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