The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have had a great second-leg of IPL 2021 as they went from being at the seventh spot on the points table to beating Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Qualifier 2 to make their third IPL final.
Opting to bowl first, KKR did a great job restricting this DC batting unit to a small total of 135/5 in their 20 overs. With opening batters Gill and Iyer providing KKR with an amazing start as it looked like a cakewalk for the two-time champions, but the DC bowlers pulled things back picking 6 wickets in no time.
But thanks to a fantastic six by Rahul Tripathi, the Kolkata-based franchise got over the line with a fantastic 3-wicket win. Reflecting back on this thrilling encounter, KKR skipper Eoin Morgan opined that it should’ve been a comfortable win considering the start they got.
“Should've been a lot easier after the start we got, Venky and Gill set us the platform. Dew came in and all, but hey, we're in the final and we're delighted to get over the line. Would've loved to win convincingly but Delhi Capitals are a very good side,” Morgan told host broadcaster Star Sports at the post-match presentation.
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“Six off two, the odds were probably in favor of the bowling side, but Rahul Tripathi has done superbly well for us. It's a nice insight into our team culture - the young guys coming in feel free to express themselves. The backroom staff has created an environment for them to do this,” he added.
The England cricketer then talked about fans from all across the globe expecting his side to perform well considering the kind of squad KKR has and also lauded the youngster Venkatesh Iyer who has been in the form of his life.
“With the squad we have, there's expectation. Hopefully, we can implement all that we've strategized. Venky Iyer's idea [his elevation] came from the coach, my god, he's a terrific player.
Made the chase easy, looks like he was batting on a different wicket. We would like to keep going, playing against CSK, one of the best franchises in IPL history. Anything can happen,” the KKR skipper concluded.
All the KKR fans will be extremely delighted with one stat that KKR has never lost an IPL final as they made it to the big final in 2012 and 2014 and won on both occasions.
With this win in Qualifier 2, KKR will be locking horns with MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on 15 October (Friday) in Dubai.
(With ANI and Star Sports Inputs)
