'Ajj Russell ka muscle bola' - Fans react as KKR clinch a final-over thriller against PBKS in IPL 2023

The action returned in the sixteenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hosting the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, for the 53^rd game of the season. While KKR are coming into the game after defeating the Gujarat Titans, the Punjab Kings have their own shock defeat to Mumbai Indians to recover from.

The visitors, Punjab Kings, won the toss and elected to bat first. However, KKR ensured they were given the right reception as they restricted the run flow until the 17th. However, Shahrukh Khan (21 off 8) and Harpreet Brar (17 off 9) added quick runs to take the total to a highly competitive 179/7. Skipper Shikar Dhawan, with 57 off 47, remained the highest scorer for the visitors.

Andre Russell, with a quickfire 42 off 23, remained the match-winner for KKR

For KKR, Varun Chakravarthy claimed a three-wicket haul, returning with figures of 3/26 from four overs. At the same time, Harshit Rana picked up two wickets for 33 runs in three overs. Finally, Suyash Sharma and Nitish Rana returned with one wicket apiece. Notably, Nitish Rana dismissed his counterpart in a memorable one-over spell.

In reply, KKR started shakily, losing regular wickets starting with opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz (15 off 12) in the fifth over at the score of 38. Jason Roy, with 38 off 24, gave KKR the start they were looking for. Skipper Nitish Rana fought hard for his 51 off 38. Finally, Andre Russell, with 42 off 23 and Rinku Singh, with 21* off 10, took KKR over the line by five wickets. For PBKS, Rahul Chahar picked up two wickets, while Nathan Ellis and Harpreet Brar returned with one apiece.

Next, in the sixteenth edition of the Indian Premier League, a big clash awaits spectators as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) travel to Mumbai to square off against five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI). While RCB come into the game after suffering a shock defeat at the hands of the Delhi Capitals (DC), MI go into the game on the backdrop of a tough loss at the hands of arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Here’s how fans reacted:

Gotta feel bad for Arshdeep mahnn

— Ryan (@Legacy25560) May 8, 2023

Arsh Deep l*nd leave my beautifully fixed IPL 😡😡😡😡😡

— mighty kaaju🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@NinjaPratham27) May 8, 2023

THE OG - Andre Russell IS BACK !!!🔥 pic.twitter.com/YOuiDitwIi

— Salt (@Bittuu_tweets) May 8, 2023

Rinku singh keeps getting freebies on leg stump . He has hardly scored on the off side

— CommentaryBox (@propnetwork1) May 8, 2023

5 excellent balls,1 worst delivery 🥲

— Don Pablo (@DonPablo_bb) May 8, 2023

Arshdeep great bowling almost defended 6 runs

— Navpreet Singh (@Navpreet7342) May 8, 2023

Rinku singh in every chase pic.twitter.com/Qix5xv7hD9

— RAHUL (@_jain_sahab__) May 8, 2023

KKR to other teams in Playoff Race 😂 pic.twitter.com/Lwx2upoi0K

— Anindita Banerjee (@AninditaB_AB) May 8, 2023