IPL 2019, KXIP vs KKR: Turning Point – Chris Lynn provides an explosive start for Kolkata Knight Riders

Here’s a look at the turning point of the IPL 2019 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab.

Sam Curran smashed Harry Gurney for 22 runs in the last over and propelled Kings XI Punjab’s score to 183/6 in 20 overs in Mohali on Friday. The home side would have been very confident about defending their total, but their hopes took a major dent when Chris Lynn provided an explosive start for the Kolkata Knight Riders. ((Full Scorecard))

Chris Lynn in action. (PTI)

The opening batsman, who scored 46 runs from 22 balls, strung a partnership of 62 runs with Shubman Gill in 6 overs. Lynn smashed five fours and three sixes during the course of his innings. The Australian made his intentions clear in the fourth over when he struck Arshdeep Singh for three consecutive boundaries. He went onto slam Ravichandran Ashwin for a six and a four in the fifth over before striking Andrew Tye for two fours and a six in the next over.

The rest of the batting line-up capitalised on the start and ensured that the Kolkata Knight Riders live to see another day in the IPL. Gill remained unbeaten in 65 runs from 49 balls as KKR won the match by seven wickets with two overs to spare. The visitors need to defeat the Mumbai Indians in their last league match on Sunday to have a chance to qualify for the playoffs.

The Kings XI Punjab captain Ravichandran Ashwin lauded the Kolkata Knight Riders’ batting effort at the presentation.

“It’s been a par total. We have defended 175-180 before but we knew very well that there’s gonna be dew in the second half and I thought they batted really well. Starting with Lynny and then Gill played superbly. We bowled well in the first three overs and then it just got a little away from us,” said Ashwin.