Punjab Kings pulled off a stunning upset against Kolkata Knight Riders, defending a meager target of 112 runs. The match, which seemed all but over with KKR at 62/2, took a dramatic turn as the Knight Riders’ lower order collapsed, losing 8 wickets for just 33 runs. This led to Punjab Kings winning by 16 runs, marking one of the lowest totals successfully defended in IPL history.
Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi were on the field when KKR was at 62/2, needing 50 runs off 75 balls. It was a situation that seemed comfortable for the Knight Riders, but things took a drastic turn after Rahane’s dismissal by Yuzvendra Chahal in the 8th over. At that point, KKR’s win probability stood at 98%. However, the team imploded, with the remaining batsmen getting out in quick succession.
A Viral Moment of Self-Deprecation
A video of Ajinkya Rahane’s post-match interaction with Shreyas Iyer has gone viral on social media. As the two captains shook hands, Rahane was heard saying in Marathi, “काय फालतू बॅटिंग केली ना आम्ही” (“We played terrible, didn’t we?”). This moment captured the frustration and disappointment felt by the KKR team after their shocking collapse. The video, shared by Nikhil Ghanekar on X/Twitter, showcased Rahane’s candid reaction to the team’s dismal batting display.
In the post-match press conference, Rahane took full responsibility for the loss, stating that the team’s batting performance was subpar. “We batted really poorly as a unit. The bowlers did a great job against Punjab’s strong batting lineup. I felt we were careless and need to take full responsibility as a team.” His comments echoed the sentiment expressed in the viral video, highlighting the team’s collective failure to capitalize on a favorable position.
The match highlighted the unpredictability of cricket, where a seemingly straightforward chase can turn into a nail-biter. Punjab Kings’ bowlers capitalized on KKR’s mistakes, turning the game on its head. This win was a testament to the team’s resilience and ability to adapt under pressure.