KKR vs KXIP Highlights, IPL 2019 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, Full cricket score: Knight Riders win by 28 runs

This makes Karthik a happy captain!

#KKR makes it two in two. Nitish’s form at the top of the order has made this team very formidable. And of course, Russell has been sensational. #KKRvKXIP #IPL

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 27, 2019

Andre Russell’s all-round skills stood out again as Kolkata Knight Riders completed a comprehensive victory over Kings XI Punjab. Half centuries by Mayank Agarwal and David Miller could not take the visiting side near the finish line.

But that was always a tough task after Kings XI Punjab goofed up on the field at a most opportune moment – it had just three fielders inside the circle when Mohammed Shami yorked Russell when the West Indies powerhouse had made only 3 runs and finished with 48.

The Kolkata Knight Riders bowlers found the better lengths than the visiting bowlers for whom the two spinners R Ashwin and Varun Chakravarthy were a disappointment tonight. Piyush Chawla played a quiet but effective role for Kolkata Knight Riders that had other stars on Wednesday with Nitish Rana and Robin Uthappa scoring half-centuries.

RUSSELL- the BIG difference in tonight’s game!

Stiff fight out up by Punjab. Moment of carelessness in the field, which gave dangerous Russell a reprieve, cost them the match. No taking away any credit from KKR though. Quite superb

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 27, 2019

After 19 overs,Kings XI Punjab 177/4 ( David Miller 57 , Mandeep Singh 22)

Another expensive over for Ferguson but still not enough for KXIP. The game is KKRs all they have to do is bowl six legitimate deliveries, KXIP need 42 runs with just six balls remaining. Play for the NRR.

After 18 overs,Kings XI Punjab 162/4 ( David Miller 48 , Mandeep Singh 17)
 

Miller has not been unable to activate his beast mode here as KKR bowlers continue to bowl tight line. Two dots at this stage is two huge opportunities missed. Couple of boundaries come from the over with Miller top edging a short ball that Kuldeep at square leg jogs towards to bring it back in play. Russell, who is fielding at long on isn’t happy with the wrist-spinner’s effort. Even from Miller’s standard 57 off 12 seems unlikely.

After 17 overs,Kings XI Punjab 152/4 ( David Miller 43 , Mandeep Singh 12)

Despite taking 15 runs off Ferguson’s over the required rate continues to climb. It is now over 22! KXIP need more than just a couple of boundaries.  Require 67 off 18 balls.

After 16 overs,Kings XI Punjab 137/4 ( David Miller 38 , Mandeep Singh 2)

What an excellent over from Piyush Chawal under the circumstances. Great captaincy from DK as well. Just four singles of the over. Mandeep Singh joins Miller after Agarwal departs. Karthik was confident of a nick from Miller after the the left-hander missed to smash a delivery that was bowled halfway down the pitch. Umpire raises his finger and Miller is able to successfully reverse the decision. KXIP now require 82 off 24 balls, more than 20 runs an over. Tough.

OUT! After a series of flat and quick deliveries, Chawla gives this one a bit of air and it is the googly. Mayank was looking for the big slog sweep, plays across the line but the ball bowled slower through the air takes ages to come to the batsman. Misses and the ball crashes into the leg stump. Beautifully done by the wily leg-spinner.

Agarwal b Chawla 58(34)

After 15 overs,Kings XI Punjab 133/3 ( Mayank Agarwal 58 , David Miller 36)

Kuldeep Yadav comes on for the final over of his spell. Rinku Singh puts down a tough chance to give Mayank a chance to prolong his innings. KXIP need 86 off 30 balls.

After 14 overs,Kings XI Punjab 124/3 ( Mayank Agarwal 55 , David Miller 30)

No boundaries off Russell’s over but Agarwal and Miller are able to collect a lot of twos at the big Eden Gardens, eight runs of the over, all from braces. KXIP need 95 off 36 balls.

After 13 overs,Kings XI Punjab 116/3 ( Mayank Agarwal 47 , David Miller 30)

Piyush Chawla is brought into the attack for the first time in the 13th over. A lot of quick deliveries, one of which is smeared over the fence by Agarwal for a six.

After 12 overs,Kings XI Punjab 106/3 ( Mayank Agarwal 41 , David Miller 27)

KXIP get the big over that they wanted! Miller and Mayank take 19 runs off Narine’s over. Still 108 required from 48 balls

What about you?

Kohli, Dhoni and Rohit are obviously the biggest draws in the IPL. Among overseas players, my top four - not in order - are Gayle, ABD, Bravo, Russell. Yours?

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 27, 2019