Kolkata Knight Riders had their noses in front after they needed 40 runs off the last four overs to chase down 218 runs against Rajasthan Royals at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Monday. However, Yuzvendra Chahal was able to turn the match on its head as he took four wickets in the 17th over and conceded only two runs.
Chahal first accounted for Venkatesh Iyer and then dismissed Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Mavi and Pat Cummins to claim his first hat-trick in the IPL. The veteran leg-spinner snared a five-wicket haul and conceded 40 runs in his quota of four overs. The 17th over which Chahal bowled was definitely a game-changer for Rajasthan Royals as KKR were ahead in the run-chase.
The experienced spinner was awarded the Player of the Match for returning with 5-40, which is his best bowling figure in the IPL.
Malinga said in a press conference after Rajasthan’s seven-run win over Kolkata: “He has a lot of international experience. He plays for the national team and in the IPL. I feel he is the most experienced leg-spinner in the country and in this tournament. He showed how great he is and the control he has over his skills. We all know that leg-spinners have more wicket-taking options. Chahal showed today how he can take wickets and change the game in a single over. I am pretty sure that all the leg-spinners are the match-winning bowlers in this competition.”
On the other hand, Riyan Parag was once again dismissed cheaply for five runs after Pat Cummins and Shivam Mavi combined to take a fine catch. Malinga added that the youngster is getting to face a handful of deliveries and it is not easy to bat as a finisher.
“I don’t think so (there is concern over his form). We know Riyan has the ability to win matches single-handedly. He is a big-hearted player. He hasn’t got much chance because he just plays five or 10 balls every match. I am sure he will deliver for us.”
“The fact that he is not getting many opportunities to bat means that our top order is doing well.” He asserted, “When we need him, he will surely deliver. He is still young and needs to prove himself. I am sure in future matches he will do a lot.”
RR now have won four out of their six matches in the ongoing season. The inaugural champions will next take on Delhi Capitals at the MCA, Pune on Friday.
