Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in a nail-biting one-run thriller against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on Sunday. The match reached its climax in the final over, where RCB needed 21 runs to win.
Andre Russell dismissed Dinesh Karthik on the final ball of the 19th over, leaving RCB in a precarious position. However, Karn Sharma reignited their hopes with three consecutive sixes off Mitchell Starc, who had been acquired by KKR for a hefty Rs 24.75 crore.
The drama continued as Starc dismissed Sharma on the penultimate delivery, giving KKR a glimmer of hope. RCB required three runs off the final ball, but Lockie Ferguson was run out before completing the second run, handing KKR a thrilling victory.
The final over unfolded as follows:
* 19.1: Sharma smashed Starc’s first ball for a six over deep backward point.
* 19.2: Sharma survived a close call after getting an inside edge, but the ball bounced just in front of the wicket-keeper.
* 19.3: Sharma added another six to his tally, reading Starc’s line perfectly and hitting the ball over deep extra cover.
* 19.4: Sharma continued his onslaught with a third six, this time over deep backward point.
* 19.5: Starc struck for KKR as Sharma played the shot straight back at the bowler, who completed a low catch.
* 19.6: Ferguson and Mohammed Siraj ran for the final ball, but Ramandeep Singh’s quick throw and Phil Salt’s alert stumping sealed the victory for KKR.
KKR’s victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, while RCB’s defeat was a heartbreaking end to a valiant effort.
