NEW DELHI: Andre Russell showcased his explosive batting prowess with an unbeaten 25-ball 64, complementing Phil Salt's solid fifty, as the Kolkata Knight Riders overcame a sedate start to post a formidable total of 208 for 7 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in an electrifying IPL match in Kolkata on Saturday.
Salt, who entered the fray as a replacement for Jason Roy, made a significant impact with his third IPL fifty, scoring 54 off 40 balls before falling to Mayank Markande (3/39) while attempting to accelerate the innings.
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Russell then unleashed his fury against Markande, launching the leg-spinner for three sixes in five balls. Despite a moment of reprieve when a stunning catch attempt by Aiden Markram was deemed to have grounded, Russell continued his onslaught, smashing Bhuvneshwar Kumar for two fours and two sixes in an over that yielded 26 runs.
Rinku Singh provided valuable support to Russell, contributing a brisk 15-ball 23, as the duo amassed 81 runs from just 33 balls, propelling KKR to 85 runs in the final five overs.
Sunrisers Hyderabad's bowling attack, led by T Natarajan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, initially stifled KKR within the powerplay, but Russell and Salt's aggressive batting ensured a formidable total.
Despite losing wickets at crucial junctures, Salt held the innings together, receiving useful support from debutant Ramandeep Singh, who showcased his attacking prowess with a quickfire 17-ball 35.
The partnership between Ramandeep and Salt set the stage for Russell and Rinku to unleash a devastating assault in the final overs, propelling Kolkata Knight Riders to a commanding total.
(With PTI inputs)
