Last Updated: April 20, 2023, 23:20 IST
IPL 2023: KKR’s Andre Russell tees off (IPL/BCCI)
Andre Russell smashed three back-to-back sixes off Mukesh Kumar in the last over in the IPL match between DC and KKR
Andre Russell smashed Mukesh Kumar for three back-to-back sixes during match number 28 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday.
After a flurry of wickets that sent back most of the side, ‘Dre Russ’ walked out seemingly with one motive, see ball, hit the ball. Initially, he could not connect properly but in the 20th over, he smashed Mukesh all over the park.
IPL 2023: Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders – LIVE
WATCH HERE –
Russell stayed unbeaten on 38 from 31 balls, including 1 four and 4 sixes with a strike rate of 122.58.
Ishant Sharma rolled back years as DC bowling attack finally joined the party with a collective effort, restricting KKR to a paltry 127.
IPL 2023 Points Table: Check Team Standings, Team Points, Wins, Losses
David Warner won a good toss and opted to field as Ishant (2/19 in 4 overs), playing his first IPL match in over two seasons, was bang on target with 13 dot balls and hitting those immaculate three-quarter length just like yesterday.
In rhythm, he still hits 140 clicks but once he was done with his four overs, he literally collapsed in the dug-out chair as Prithvi Shaw came in as ‘Impact Player’.
Orange Cap: Check Out Full List for Top Batters in Orange Cap Race
His India days are well over and Ishant certainly would like to remain an ‘IPL to IPL’ player till his body allows him to take rigours of top flight cricket.
Mukesh Kumar (1/34 in 4 overs) also bowled well in the Powerplay while Axar Patel (2/13 in 3 overs), who hasn’t enjoyed favourable match-ups against left-handers, removed the dangerous Rinku Singh as KKR lost wickets in clumps.
Purple Cap: Check Out Full List for Top Bowlers in Purple Cap Race
If Ishant, Mukesh and Axar were brilliant in the front 10, Kuldeep Yadav (2/15 in 3 overs), who got Jason Roy (43 off 39 balls), was brilliant as he created doubts in the minds of the batters by varying his pace.
The pitch had a liberal tinge of green and Anrich Nortje (2/20 in 4 overs) bowled an ideal Test match length and the grass covering helped in a bit of deviation as in-form Venkatesh Iyer just managed to dangle his bat and the ball flew to Mitchell Marsh standing at first slip.
It was undoubtedly the ball of the innings but credit goes to Ishant as he didn’t let Roy get away with a good start.
The bit of moisture after a delayed start due to steady drizzle had also freshened up the track and the bit of extra bounce found the batters in a bit of a problem.
Mukesh got rid of Litton Das, who miscued a pull, and the ball that Ishant bowled to dismiss Nitish Rana reared up and he couldn’t check his lofted shot.
However, the wicket that completely changed the course was Rinku’s slog sweep and the ball bounced tad extra to take the top edge and flew at a comfortable height for Lalit Yadav to catch it at deep square leg.
Once Rinku was gone, KKR batting unit seemed like losing the battle in its head as Andre Russell (38 not out off 31 balls), despite hitting four sixes, couldn’t do enough to get his team to a par-score.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Get the latest Cricket News, IPL 2023 Live Score, Orange Cap and Purple Cap holder details here
