22 Apr at 7:42 am

KKR vs RCB IPL 2024, Match 36th Highlights: A Last-Ball Rollercoaster Ride – KKR Clinch Victory Over RCB in a One-Run Thriller!

Phil Salt seals victory for KKR against RCB with a stumping on the last ball. | © iplt20.com

Match 36 of the IPL 2024 season was a heart-stopping affair that went down to the last ball. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious dramatically, defeating the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by a hair’s breadth – a single run!

Toss: RCB won the toss and decided to bowl

KKR’s Batting Bonanza

Batting first, KKR set a formidable target of 223 runs on the board. Back in form, Shreyas Iyer anchored the innings with a well-composed 50. However, the star of the show was the explosive Phil Salt. His whirlwind knock of 48 runs came off a mere 14 deliveries, peppered with seven boundaries and three towering sixes. Salt’s innings threatened to take the game away from RCB early on, but the Challengers bowlers clawed their way back in the middle overs, restricting the flow of runs.

RCB’s Fightback and Middle-Overs Squeeze

RCB, needing a strong start to their chase, were dealt an early blow with the dismissal of Virat Kohli (questionable decision?). However, young guns Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar rose to the occasion. Jacks, known for his power-hitting, took on Mitchell Starc in the final over of the powerplay, hammering him for three sixes and a four in a breathtaking display of clean hitting. On the other hand, Patidar played a more composed innings, reaching a well-deserved fifty off just 23 balls.

Russell’s Crucial Intervention

Just as RCB seemed to be cruising towards victory, introducing Andre Russell into the attack swung the momentum back in KKR’s favor. Russell’s brute force and variations in pace proved too much for Jacks and Patidar, dismissing them in quick succession. This double strike put the brakes on RCB’s chase and left them needing many runs in the final overs.

Last-Over Drama: Karn Sharma Almost Steals the Show

With 21 runs required off the last over, the pressure was immense. Mitchell Starc, known for his pinpoint yorkers, had the unenviable task of defending the target. What followed was an over of pure drama! Karn Sharma, the unlikely hero for RCB, smashed three monstrous sixes off the first three deliveries, bringing the equation down to a manageable three runs needed off the last ball. The Eden Gardens crowd was on its feet, sensing an upset on the cards.

A Run-Out Controversy and KKR Clinch the Win!

Starc, under immense pressure, bowled a yorker that Sharma could only manage a faint flick towards the deep midwicket boundary. A misfield by KKR’s deep fielder allowed the ball to race towards the ropes, raising RCB’s hopes for a last-gasp win. However, ever alert behind the stumps, Phil Salt displayed remarkable agility and presence of mind. He dived full length, broke the stumps just as the No. 11 batsman, Lockie Ferguson, was about to make his ground, and secured a dramatic one-run victory for KKR!

This match had explosive batting displays, exceptional bowling spells, and a last-ball finish that had everyone on the edge of their seats. While Andre Russell’s all-around performance (27 runs and three wickets) earned him the Player of the Match award, credit must be given to Phil Salt for his early blitz and his game-saving run-out. For RCB, Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar deserve praise for their crucial knocks, while Karn Sharma’s near-impossible last-over heroics will be remembered for a long time.

This match is a prime example of why the IPL is considered one of the most exciting cricket tournaments in the world. It showcased the talent, passion, and drama that this format consistently delivers. Stay tuned for more thrilling encounters as the IPL 2024 season continues!