RR vs KKR Match 31 IPL 2024 | Highlights and Recaps RR vs KKR Match 31 IPL 2024 | Highlights and Recaps
RR vs KKR Match 31 IPL 2024 | Highlights and Recaps

April 16, 2024

RR vs KKR Match 31 IPL 2024 | Highlights and Recaps

What was the target RR was chasing in the match?

In one of the great matches in TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) history RR vs KKR, Rajasthan Royals (RR) matched their own record for the most successful chase in the tournament by overcoming 224 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The clash at Eden Gardens was a spectacle as two IPL icons delivered performances for the ages. Sunil Narine dazzled with his first-ever century in the TATA IPL, while RR seemed to falter in their pursuit of 224. However, Jos Buttler stepped up, making his seventh IPL century, the second of the season, and led RR to a historic two-wicket victory over KKR.

The partnership between Riyan Parag and Buttler gave RR hope in their chase against KKR. Still, regular wickets saw them at 128 for six in 14 overs, with boundaries drying up. Buttler, with 42 off 33 balls, was joined by Rovman Powell. The two then launched an aggressive assault, scoring 17 runs in the next two overs. Narine’s entry with 62 needed off 24 balls presented a crucial moment. Powell greeted him with a four and two sixes before being dismissed leg-before.

At 178 for seven in 17 overs, it seemed KKR had the upper hand in the RR vs KKR clash. However, Buttler’s relentless effort ensured RR’s chase was not in vain. His stellar performance under pressure turned the tide, securing a memorable win and highlighting the thrilling nature of the RR vs KKR encounter.

Who bowled the penultimate over for the opposing team?

Buttler was now tasked with the chase on his own. In an attempt to keep the strike, Trent Boult was run out in the next over. With only Avesh Khan for company, Buttler took matters into his own hands. He hit a boundary off Mitchell Starc, and RR was awarded five wides as Starc missed his mark.

Harshit Rana came on for the penultimate over with 28 runs to defend. Buttler capitalized on the opportunity, scoring 19 runs with two huge sixes and a four. He took a single to retain a strike off the last ball of the over. Varun Chakaravarthy then entered for the final over with nine runs required. Buttler hit the first ball over long-on for a massive six, bringing up his century and making RR’s win seem like a foregone conclusion in the RR vs KKR clash.

However, Chakaravarthy made it enjoyable by bowling three consecutive dot balls to a tiring Buttler. With three runs needed off two balls, Buttler played a shot to long-off and pushed Avesh Khan for two runs. The winning runs were secured off the last ball as Rajasthan Royals celebrated a monumental triumph. Given KKR’s solid innings and the supportive home crowd, this victory for RR in the RR vs KKR match seemed improbable.

How did Avesh Khan take the catch to dismiss Phil Salt?

It was fitting that Narine achieved his first T20 century at Eden Gardens, where he has been a fixture for over a decade. The celebration, in front of an adoring crowd, along with fellow teammates and management, made the milestone even more special. Narine has been in exceptional form with the bat this season, surpassing his highest T20 score of 85 against Delhi Capitals with a splendid performance in the RR vs KKR match.

Having been put into bat, Kolkata Knight Riders was confident of setting a high target. Phil Salt received a reprieve in the first over when he hit the second ball to point, and Riyan Parag missed an easy chance. However, Salt’s luck ran out in the third over when he played a shot off Avesh Khan, who took a spectacular return catch diving to his left.

From the start, Narine showcased his batting prowess with controlled aggression. His innings were marked by a blend of elegance and power; he drove total deliveries over the field and adjusted his stance to dispatch shorter balls. This masterful performance in the RR vs KKR encounter highlighted Narine’s skill and contributed significantly to KKR’s total.

Which bowler did Narine hit for a six to reach his fifty?

At the other end during the RR vs KKR match, Angkrish Raghuvanshi played some classy shots, scoring 30 off 18 balls with five fours. His style contrasted with Narine’s more calm and free-stroking approach. Together, they added 85 runs off just 43 balls, with Narine leading the charge and Raghuvanshi providing solid support. Narine reached his fifty in the 10th over with a six off R Ashwin, achieving the milestone in only 30 balls. Raghuvanshi was dismissed shortly after, getting caught at third-man off Kuldeep Sen.

The subsequent overs saw Narine take control, becoming increasingly aggressive after reaching his fifty. Boundaries flowed consistently from his bat, and the prospect of a century seemed imminent. Shreyas Iyer and Andre Russell were effectively relegated to supporting roles as Narine dominated the RR vs KKR clash. When Yuzvendra Chahal, the current Purple Cap holder, was introduced for the 16th over, anticipation built as Narine approached 79.

How did Rinku Singh contribute to KKR’s final total?

Narine then launched two sixes and two fours in an over to swiftly reach his maiden T20 century. As the Eden Gardens crowd cheered, he completed the milestone with a four-through wide, long-on. Shortly after, Russell was dismissed, and Narine was bowled out for 109 by a spectacular yorker from Boult. Rinku Singh’s quickfire 20 off nine balls in the slog overs boosted KKR to a total of 223.

Typically, such a score would be challenging to chase, but in the RR vs KKR match, Jos Buttler’s brilliance as a T20 batter made all the difference. His performance underlined why the target set by KKR was manageable.

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author
Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for The Wicket Insider, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.