Sports Desk
23 March
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a pulsating opening match of the IPL at the iconic Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) kicked off their campaign with a nail-biting win, edging out Sunrisers Hyderabad by a slender margin of 4 runs. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Kolkata put up an imposing total of 208 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
In pursuit of 209 runs for victory, Hyderabad made a promising start but faced consistent pressure from Kolkata’s bowlers. Despite reaching 60/1 and later 145/5, Hyderabad struggled to maintain momentum. The match saw a dramatic twist as Hyderabad’s sixth wicket partnership brought them within touching distance of the target, reaching 203/6 and then 204/4.
However, Kolkata Knight Riders’ perseverance paid off as they claimed crucial wickets in the final moments, securing victory by a mere 4 runs. The thrilling encounter showcased the intense competition and high stakes characteristic of the IPL, setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament ahead.