Sunil Narine and Anrich Nortje from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced a shocking moment in the match against Punjab Kings on Tuesday, April 15.
Both used heavy bats that failed the mandatory gauge test the umpires carried out during or before the game. Before the KKR innings started, some of the bats used by the KKR batters were checked by reserve umpire Saiyed Khalid outside the playing arena.
The thickest part of Narine's bat, which he thought about batting with first, did not pass through the gauge. This left Sunil Narine, who had a word with the umpire. He also checked Raghuvanshi's bat, which passed the test.
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Later on in the 16th over of the KKR innings, Anrich Nortje's bat also did not pass the gauge test. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was seen running onto the pitch with two more bats, out of which Nortje used the one that passed through the gauge.
KKR, chasing 112 runs to win, were well placed at 62 runs for two wickets after 8 overs. However, the chase went downhill from there for the Knight Riders as they were bowled out for 95 runs. The defending champions lost their next 8 wickets for just 33 runs. For a moment, it looked like Andre Russell (17 runs off 11 balls) could win the match for KKR. However, he was the last wicket to fall for the Knight Riders.
Ajinkya Rahane Takes Responsibility For KKR's Defeat To PBKS
Punjab Kings won the match by 16 runs in the end as they successfully defended 112 runs. In the process, they defended the lowest-ever score in IPL history. KKR has now lost four out of their seven matches. The defending champions lost just three overall in their title-winning season in 2024. KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane too the blame upon himself for KKR's defeat.
"I take this responsibility as a captain, as we couldn't chase this down. But individually, I am sure all the players, especially the batters, will think about their own game and improve in the upcoming matches" he said in the post-match press conference.
Meanwhile, the Kings returned back to winning ways after going down against SRH, as they could not defend 245 runs in Hyderabad.
