NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders survived a late charge by Royal Challengers Bengaluru batters to eke out a narrow one-run win in a last-over IPL nail-biter at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.
With Karn Sharma smacking three sixes off the first four balls in the final over, RCB came very close to pulling off a heist but then lost two wickets off the final to balls of the match to fell agonizingly short.
After winning the tight game, KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir heaped praise on RCB, saying that the franchise displayed a 'phenomenal character' in the chase.
Bengaluru conceded 222 for 6 after electing to field first as KKR's Phil Salt smashed 48 off 14 balls while skipper Shreyas Iyer hit 50.
Needing 21 to win in the final over bowled by Mitchell Starc, Bengaluru's number 10 Karn hit the Australian left-arm quick for three sixes before being caught and bowled.
Wicketkeeper Phil Salt then ran out Lockie Ferguson on the last ball despite a wide throw by the fielder as Bengaluru were bowled out for 221.
KKR's Andre Russell was awarded with 'Player of the Match' for his knock of 27 and three wickets.
With the win, KKR reclaimed the second spot on the points. They now have five wins in 7 games and a couple of losses.
RCB continue to stay at the bottom of the table with a win and seven losses, aggregating just two points.
