KKR beats RCB by 81 runs in a big win 

The contest between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challenges Bangalore was expected to be a tough contest as both sides are considered to be among the toughest competitors. However, the Knight Riders had a strong grip on the game in both innings, having put up a massive 204 runs on the scoreboard in the first innings. Their top order failed to impress as all the batsmen got dismissed except Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who hit 57 runs off 44 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes. The middle order stepped up to the challenge with Shardul Thakur hitting a blistering 68 runs off only 29 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes, and Rinku Singh scoring a respectable 46 off 33. 

Virat Kohli and captain Faf du Plessis gave their side a decent start, but were dismissed in quick succession. With two of RCB’s strongest batsmen back in the pavilion, KKR ran through their middle order as most of them failed to even reach a double-digit score individually. Varun Chakravarthy picked up 4 wickets by himself and gave away only 15 runs in 3.4 overs in a splendid performance. Suyash Sharma also did well by getting 3 wickets in a praiseworthy spell. RCB barely managed to reach the 100-run mark before being bowled out for a below par total of 123 runs. Shardul Thakur was rewarded as a player of the match as Kolkata Knight Riders recorded their first win of this season. The next match will be played between Lucknow Supergiants and Sunrisers Hyderabad.