In Kolkata, Venkatesh Iyer’s standout performance with a 21-ball 42 was a highlight before a disciplined Mumbai Indians bowling unit contained Kolkata Knight Riders to a total of 157 for seven in the IPL match held on Saturday.
Despite battling a strained hamstring, Iyer’s aggressive innings lifted KKR from a challenging start after Mumbai Indians won the toss advantageously following a delayed start due to rain.
Iyer’s innings, particularly his assertive strokes against Jasprit Bumrah, including a six and two fours, showcased his batting prowess.
Returning after missing 11 matches due to a finger injury, Nitish Rana contributed with a crucial 23-ball 33 in a significant partnership with Iyer before getting run out.
However, Mumbai Indians staged a strong comeback, with leg-spinner Piyush Chawla claiming 2/38 from his three overs, including the dismissals of Iyer and Andre Russell (24 off 14 balls; 2×4, 2×6).
Russell, showing promise, fell at a crucial moment, disrupting KKR’s momentum.
Bumrah, with figures of 2/39 from four overs, concluded his impactful spell by dismissing Rinku Singh for a brisk 12-ball 20.
Facing challenging conditions on a sticky wicket due to prolonged rain, KKR had a dismal start to their innings, losing their openers — Phil Salt (6) and Sunil Narine (0) — within seven balls.
Nuwan Thushara dismissed Salt with a well-executed slower delivery after conceding a first-ball six, while Bumrah troubled Narine with a deceptive delivery to disturb his off-stump.
Bumrah’s effective bowling tactics kept the batsmen on edge, exemplified by his dismissal of Narine with the very first ball.
KKR captain Shreyas Iyer struggled for form and was bowled around his legs by Anshul Kamboj after scoring just seven runs off 10 balls.
Iyer faced additional challenges after being struck on the heel by a throw from square leg.
Despite the setback, the left-handed batsman displayed resilience and aggression, countering MI’s premier bowler with a six and a boundary in a crucial 15-run over.
His innings ensured KKR maintained a high run-rate, reaching 45/3 during the power play, which was curtailed to five overs due to rain.
Chawla made an immediate impact by dismissing Iyer with his first delivery, but Russell continued to provide impetus to KKR’s innings with his aggressive stroke play, including a powerful slog over the cow corner and an elegant boundary.
