IPL 2024 : Kolkata beat Bengaluru by 1 run in a last over thriller

In a nail-biting encounter marking the clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, it was KKR's Andre Russell who emerged as the star of the show at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, RCB's captain Faf du Plessis set the stage for an intense battle as the two sides with contrasting fortunes in the IPL season faced off.

KKR, sitting comfortably at the second position on the points table, found themselves up against a struggling RCB, languishing at the bottom. However, it was Russell's all-round performance that tilted the scales in KKR's favor on Sunday, April 21.

After contributing a crucial 27 runs off 20 balls with the bat, Russell showcased his prowess with the ball when it mattered most. Introduced into the attack at a critical juncture with RCB's Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar posing a threat, Russell made an immediate impact by dismissing both batsmen in his very first over.

As the match approached its climax, Russell's crucial scalp of Dinesh Karthik in the 19th over further solidified KKR's grip on the game. Despite a spirited effort from RCB's Karn Sharma, KKR managed to hold their nerve and secure a narrow 1-run victory.

Acknowledging his pivotal role in the victory, Russell expressed his confidence in his bowling abilities and credited his success to divine intervention. Reflecting on his strategy, Russell highlighted the effectiveness of his slower deliveries, which proved challenging for the opposition batsmen to negotiate.