Delhi Capitals (DC) registered their first win of IPL 2023 by defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a last over thriller. The match got delayed due to rain, and KKR could manage just 120 runs after put in to bat.
Andre Russell was the top-scorer for the Knight Riders with a 31-ball 38. It was his late fireworks which enabled them to cross the 100-run mark. KKR reached to a respectable total because of Russell’s four sixes and one four. However, DC wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav had a chance to wrap up KKR’s innings for less than 100 runs when he dismissed two batsmen off consecutive deliveries and was on a hat-trick.
In the meantime, it was Russell’s bizarre act at the non-striker’s end that caught everyone’s attention. He took guard at the non-striker’s end with his head facing deep midwicket, leaving users shocked.
Relive the moment:
Andre Russell 🤣😂🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/4gmX2z3qUz
— Baljeet (@Motera_Stadium) April 21, 2023
Kuldeep Yadav on a hat-trick.
Look at Andre Russell : pic.twitter.com/BqLlJEGxrD
— Rahul Sharma (@CricFnatic) April 20, 2023
Andre Russell!😂😂#IPL2023 #DCvKKR pic.twitter.com/u0XG7jDE5A
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) April 20, 2023
Russell redeemed himself later in the game and gave KKR something to cheer for towards the end of their innings. In the final over bowled by Mukesh Kumar, the Windies power-hitter hit three consecutive sixes, including the fourth-longest six of IPL 2023, which went 109 meters away.
In the second essay, KKR gave themselves a chance to defend their total of 120 as Varun Chakravarthy, Anukul Roy and captain Nitish Rana picked two wickets each.
DC skipper David Warner scored 57 off 41 runs and kept his team in the chase. Although Warner was not at his fluent best, his knock helped DC to stay in the game. KKR sensed an opportunity once Warner perished, but Axar Patel’s calmness guided DC home.