On a day where display of elite athleticism was seen from LSG and KKR players, it was a ball boy at Ekana Stadium that caught everyone’s attention with a spectacular catch.
On Sunday’s crucial encounter between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders, a ball boy received plaudits for his stunning catch from commentators and one of the fielding greats, Jonty Rhodes. It was in the last ball of the third over in the second innings, when Vaibhav Arora’s short-length delivery was dispatched in the third-man region for a maximum by Marcus Stoinis. The outside off delivery was sent beyond the rope with an uppercut which was then caught beautifully by the ball boy. The match witnessed some brilliant catches on the field as well with Ramandeep catching an absolute flyer to dismiss Arshin Kulkarni in the second over.
Even though the ball boy had a big smile and left the field with a happy face, it would be safe to say, that wasn’t the case for the home side. As Kolkata Knight Riders handed them a heavy defeat of 98 runs. With a mammoth target of 236 to chase the LSG innings crumbled within 16.1 overs managing to score only 137.
Following this loss Lucknow’s chance of qualifying for the playoffs will depend on SRH and CSK’s hand who have a superior Net Run Rate, all three teams have 12 points and Sunrisers have a match in hand. Meanwhile KKR on the other hand climbed to the top of the table with 16 points, overtaking Rajasthan Royals by Net Run Rate, who still have played a game less than KKR.
In the post-match presentation, KKR Skipper Shreyas Iyer shared,
“The last 6 matches in the dressing room there has been havoc, teammates are coming in and asking skip what’s happening, we are losing tosses, but we are winning games that’s what matters. We had a great start in the powerplay. Sunil mentioned in the time-out that anything around 200 is good.”
“A lefty-righty combination makes thing difficult for the opposition, the bowlers have to change their plans and that makes a difference. It’s all about the freedom, to go out and express themselves. We want to go out and be positive whatever the situation is, sometimes it doesn’t work out but sometimes it does. They have been splendid for us, the way they are playing their shots is pure bliss. They are setting us up and giving us momentum and no matter what the situation is, we are playing with a positive mindset,” Shreyas added.
Kolkata Knight Riders will face Mumbai Indians on May 11 at Eden Gardens, while Lucknow Super Giants will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, which could potentially be the deciding match for both the teams for confirming a spot in the playoffs.