Allen's 47-ball ton powers KKR to huge win over DC
KKR's spinners restricted DC to just 142, and Allen gunned that total down almost singlehandedly
KKR's spinners restricted DC to just 142, and Allen gunned that total down almost singlehandedly
Scorer: Chetan Kumar | Commentator: Ekanth
It was a win delivered by the batting, designed by the bowling though. The second-half of the first innings was oldy-worldy. It's left DC all but out, KKR are on the rise. Great timing too for the east Indian franchise. Two west Indian franchises play each other tomorrow. Join us for that, thanks for coming in tonight. Bye.
Finn Allen, POTM I've been working on having more strings in my bow. Had to be more responsible after a couple of early wickets. I tried to knuckle down early, was challenging early on, Axar bowled early. Strategy was to get in a good position and bat deep. That's my model, stay in when it's tough, give myself a chance. I've got a few starts, frustrating not to carry on, nice to have some personal success. When the situation comes, you forget about your batting and focus on the situation. I knew if I stayed out for a long time, 40 balls, doesn't happen too often [I'd score enough]. Sometimes, being left out changes your perspective. Allows time for mental refresh. I was putting on too much pressure on myself.
Ajinkya Rahane, KKR captain Happy for Allen, he was struggling and worked hard. Want to praise our bowlers, they've done well so consistently, spinners and death bowlers. We've been working hard on the fielding, it's helping us. Credit to the fielding coach. Leaving Narine alone is the way to go, lucky to have him and Varun in the side. He's learning and sharing his experience all the time, he's always in the nets and is willing to bowl at any time. We've been playing well in the first five games, crucial moments are important. Credit to our bowling coaches, they've been worked hard with the bowlers. Happy with Anukul, who's had a fantastic domestic season and Tyagi who's confident. Varun's okay, he's happy as long as he's bowling.
Cameron Green Was special, not often you get to stay at the non-strikers. All Finn said was 'see you next over', I played second fiddle. Did the math 29 runs off, knew I'd be the most hated player in Kolkata if I didn't help him get the ton. Winning has been satisfying, bowlers have been great, spin exceptional. Can't look far ahead, gotta win every game from here.
DC are not mathematically out of the playoffs race although you wouldn't know it from Axar's post-match interview
Axar Patel, DC captain We were short on runs. Spinners made a lot of mistakes, gave away too many step-hits. We lost five wickets in 2-3 overs with bat, lost momentum there. [Partnership with Ashutosh] We knew if we make a mistake, it'll be difficult for the incoming batters. We had to take one-two overs to consolidate after a cluster of wickets. [Moving forward] We'll go and figure out where we've made mistakes. There's next year too, we'll have to think of plans and preparation for next year, and accordingly, think of which players who are currently on the bench should be given chances.
Elsewhere, the AIFF are up to their usual shenanigans in Indian football, with a chaotic ISL schedule leaving some coaches branding it a 'disaster' amidst allegations of unfairness. Just another day in the Indian Super League.
Sudipta: "The table can be split into 4 parts now: PK, SRH: Toppers, RCB, RR, GT: Challengers, CSK, KKR: Dark Horses, DC, MI, LSG: Backbenchers"
VS: "One sided match, but Allen's century made it worth watching."
V. Kalyani : "KKR gave away only 2 extras....wait.....DC conceded none....Moral win?"
10:32pm That was easy, should have been anything but on that pitch. There was turn for the spinners. DC may have felt they had a chance to pull things back post-powerplay. But Green and Allen consolidated before Allen blew the roof out of the stadium. Not sure how conditions got conducive for six-hitting. Maybe they didn't, maybe it was just Allen having a day out. DC had a small target to work with. It started with Vipraj being taken down, Kuldeep had another horror game. Axar was good with ball but poor with bat. Stark contrast between the slower bowlers of both sides and that's what separated the teams.
Only three KKR batters have scored a century so far
Allen's hundred on?
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KKR's spinners restricted DC to just 142, and Allen gunned that total down almost singlehandedly
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