IPL 2023: Not a 230 wicket, Rana slams KKR bowling

Chasing a 229 target, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) did really well to take the run-chase deep and losing just by 23 runs to Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens on Friday.

The main bowlers of KKR went for runs except for Sunil Narine who returned figures of 0-28 in 4 overs.

“I feel the way we bowled was not according to the plans. No matter what the wicket was like, this wasn’t a 230 wicket,” Rana said after the match.

Rana said that his team had been preparing for chasing 200-plus score considering the Eden Gardens wicket but reiterated that bowling needs to get better.

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“One odd day you’ll get an innings like Rinku had the other day, but not everyday. We batted really well, we wanted to take the game deep and then you never know. Home advantage is one thing, but we know Eden Gardens tracks always play this way, we expected 200 to be a par score here and have been preparing that way, but we need to bowl better,” he said.

The KKR skipper lauded the fighting spirit of the team by taking the match deep, which could have gone either way.

“Today, even the main bowlers were going for runs but I can’t be too critical because these are the same bowlers who will win me a game some other time. Very happy with the fight we showed but would have loved it more if we got two points as well,” Rana said.

After two wins and as many defeats, KKR are now placed fourth in the points table. They next meet Delhi Capitals on April 20.