IPL 2023 [Twitter reactions]: KKR edge past PBKS in a last-ball thriller at the Eden Gardens

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) registered a six-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 53rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at the Eden Gardens stadium. Notably, the victory for KKR came on the last ball of the match.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Punjab didn’t start well and lost two wickets with just 29 runs on the board. However, Shikhar Dhawan‘s captain’s knock of 57 runs helped PBKS post a competitive total of 179/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Apart from Dhawan, Shahrukh Khan and Harpreet Brar also contributed quickfire 21 and 17 runs to the team’s total. Meanwhile, Varun Chakravarthy shined with the ball for KKR and bagged three scalps for his side.

In reply, despite the average start, KKR chased the set target with six wickets remaining. Nitish Rana top-scored for his side and smashed a brilliant 51 runs off 38 balls. Rana’s inning was followed by Andre Russell‘s fiery 42 off 23 deliveries which played a significant role in KKR’s win.

Other than the performances of Rana and Russell, the finishing touch to the game was given by Rinku Singh. The left-handed batter held his nerve like always and finished the match in his team’s favour by hammering four off the last ball when two runs were required. Although Rahul Chahar picked two wickets for Punjab, he unfortunately ended up on the losing side.

Russell was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for his storming knock in the contest.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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Andre Russell was ON SONG tonight! 🎸 pic.twitter.com/Rwj9ZYI4cb

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 8, 2023

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What a remarkable game and what an incredible performance by @KKRiders under pressure! First @NitishRana_27 and then some serious hitting by @Russell12A. But in the end, it was the magic of @rinkusingh235 won it for #KKR. #RinkuSingh has been a story, a story to remember!… pic.twitter.com/lGZIYWxTWi

— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) May 8, 2023

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Long but satisfying day. There is something very endearing about Rinku Singh and his relationship with Nitish Rana.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 8, 2023

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Chin up champ, you nearly pulled it off! 👏❤️#KKRvPBKS #JazbaHaiPunjabi #SaddaPunjab #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/l5BjfKNMKB

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 8, 2023

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Praise the Lord 🙏🤯 pic.twitter.com/9qEVH9M7SY

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) May 8, 2023

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We’re living in a King Rinku Singh era. pic.twitter.com/qttXFdBiVQ

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) May 8, 2023

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For his stroke-filled & entertaining knock, @Russell12A bags the Player of the Match award as @KKRiders secure a victory at the Eden Gardens 👏 👏

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/OaRtNpANNb #TATAIPL | #KKRvPBKS pic.twitter.com/JidVsTXzfm

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 8, 2023

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Rinku Singh you beauty man so consistentin finishing matches #KKRvPBKS #rinkusingh #AndreRussell 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/XMGs7Epys1

— ADA SHARE (@ada_share) May 8, 2023

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Well played, Nitish Rana!

51 in 38 balls – a quality innings by Rana. He played a wonderful knock for KKR in the run chase. pic.twitter.com/33IlmIx2UX

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 8, 2023

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Skipper Nitish Rana leading from the front at the business end of the tournament

Well Played @NitishRana_27 🦁 pic.twitter.com/D7nlBuVqix

— KKR Bhakt 🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRSince2011) May 8, 2023

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This is Andre Russell, KKR batsman.

Everyone was saying he is finished, he can’t bat now, his prime is gone.

But he paid two hoots to them, kept working hard in silence, backed his capabilities and today he has delivered for KKR.

Always back yourself when no one does… pic.twitter.com/ej9Pq65oRL

— Dr Nimo Yadav (@niiravmodi) May 8, 2023

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Rinku Singh at it again. Scoring 4 on last bowl and won for KKR.

He’s the main man of IPL 2023. pic.twitter.com/Gg10LHkmEH

— ANSHUMAN🚩 (@AvengerReturns) May 8, 2023

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Most Player of the match awards for KKR in IPL history:

Andre Russell – 13*
Sunil Narine – 12
Gautam Gambhir – 10

The Greatest Trio of KKR! pic.twitter.com/GBd1BvrlI7

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 8, 2023

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Andre Russell won the Man of the match award for his brilliant batting performance.

Andre Russell is back. pic.twitter.com/ua7XdqQIZp

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) May 8, 2023