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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) IPL 2016, Match 32: Highlights

Glenn Maxwell finally clicked for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) but his effort was not enough, as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won the IPL 2016 Match 32 by 7 runs.

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Glenn Maxwell scored 68 in a losing cause © AFP (File photo)
Glenn Maxwell scored 68 in a losing cause © AFP (File photo)

Glenn Maxwell finally clicked for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) but his effort was not enough, as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won the IPL 2016 Match 32 by 7 runs at the Eden Gardens. Chasing 165 to win, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) could manage only 157 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs, thus losing the game by 7 runs and now stand at a very perilous position in IPL 9. With this win, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) remained at the third position in IPL 2016 Points Table, having played 8 matches, winning 5 and losing 3. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have 10 points so far in this edition. Let us take a look at the highlights: Live Cricket Scorecard: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab, IPL 2016 Match 32 at Eden Gardens

Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) explosive start: Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa were at their dominant best as the two batsmen added 101 runs for the opening wicket in the clash against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). Gambhir and Uthappa began in a commanding fashion, and never in their innings had it looked like Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) would take a wicket. They played strokes all around the park, and picking boundaries at will was definitely the highlights of their 101-run stand for the first wicket. Uthappa struck 70 off 49 balls, striking 6 boundaries and 2 sixes. On the other hand, Gambhir fell for 45-ball 54 with 6 boundaries and 1 six. ALSO READ: Andre Russell shines for Kolkata Knight Riders as Kings XI Punjab stumble to 7-run loss in IPL 2016

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) bowlers fail to take any wicket: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) scored 164 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs. All their batsmen scored in double digits, and there was a century stand as well. While it was a day to remember for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsmen, it will help Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) if they take lessons out of their mistakes. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) tried out as many as 7 bowlers, and none of them could take wickets. All three batsmen who were dismissed — Gambhir, Uthappa and Andre Russell — were run out.

Kings XI Punjab’s (KXIP) atrocious start: In a tournament which is becoming a forgettable one every passing day for KXIP, it was yet another embarrassment. The wicket had everything for the batsmen, but they were tottering at 13 for 3 in 3.1 overs with their top-order blown away. The situation is so grave for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), at one stage it looked like they will lose the game by a massive margin.

Glenn Maxwell finds form: One of the main reasons why Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) have done so badly in this IPL is the poor form of their star batsmen Glenn Maxwell and David Miller. However, Maxwell struck form on Wednesday night, striking 4 sixes and 6 boundaries to score 42-ball 68, and provided his team a realistic chance to win the game. He added 67 runs with an atrociously out of form Miller, who scored 13 off 18.

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) lose from a winning position: With Maxwell and Miller bringing Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) back in the contest, they had a realistic chance to stun KKR in their backyard. At one stage, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) needed 50 off 34 balls with 6 wickets in hand. At a time when teams are winning from the most improbable situations, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) stuttered with the quick dismissals of Maxwell and Miller and succumbed to a narrow defeat.

(Devarchit Varma is senior writer with CricketCountry. He can be followed on Twitter @Devarchit)

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