IPL 2021: Morgan Helps Kolkata Beat Punjab By 5 Wickets

Cricket Image for IPL 2021: Morgan Helps Kolkata Beat Punjab By 5 Wickets (Image Source: Google)

Eoin Morgan's unbeaten 47 helped Kolkata Knight Riders(KKR) beat Punjab Kings(PBKS) by five wickets in the 21st match of IPL 2021. 

Brief Score: Punjab Kings - 123/9 (Mayank Agarwal - 31; Prasadh Krishna - 3/30) & Kolkata Knight Riders - 126/5 (Eoin Morgan - 47*, Rahul Tripathi - 41) 

IPL 2021, Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 21st Match 

Chasing a modest target of 124, KKR were under the pump after a poor start to the run-chase as they lost three wickets in the first three overs. 

However, Rahul Tripathi and Captain Morgan stuck in and added 66 runs for the fourth wicket to revive KKR's innings. Tripathi was the aggressor among the two as he scored 41 from 32 balls with the help of seven fours. 

His dismissal brought Andre Russell to the crease but he too got out -- run out -- early into his innings. 

Morgan at the other end was set and along with Dinesh Karthik made sure KKR complete the chase without any further hiccups with more than three overs to spare. 

Earlier, Kolkata sent in Punjab to bat first. The decision turned out to be correct as KKR bowled a disciplined line to keep the PBKS openers - KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal - in check. Rahul tried to hit one hard but got caught to end the powerplay with just 37 on board. 

Punjab continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and couldn't manage to get that one big partnership. Mayank Agarwal hit a fighting 31 at the top while Chris Jordan, who played his first game of the season, made a quick 30 off 18 balls to give a good finish to the team and reach 123/9.