IPL 2018, DD vs KKR: 4 reasons why KKR lost 

Match 26 saw Delhi Daredevils host Kolkata Knight Riders at Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi. It was a must-win game for Delhi after incurring five losses in their first six games of the season while KKR looked to gain back the momentum after the loss in the previous encounter.

Put into bat, Delhi managed their highest total of the season batting first as their new skipper Shreyas Iyer held the innings together to post 219 in their 20 overs. He was ably supported by Prithvi Shaw, who scored his maiden fifty and Glenn Maxwell, who gave the much-needed blitz at the end.

Chasing 220, the opposition was pushed on the backfoot as they lost too many in the first six. It then became difficult for Kolkata to bounce back in the game as they eventually succumbed to defeat by 55 runs.

Let’s take a look at the reasons that propelled the loss for KKR.

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#1 An explosive opening stand for Delhi

This had been a rare sight for the men from the capital in this season as they registered their highest powerplay score of 57 runs in the first six overs. The opening stand saw two players with contrasting approaches take the field for Delhi.

The duo of Colin Munro and Prithvi Shaw propelled the team to a blistering start before Shivam Mavi got rid of the dangerous looking Kiwi opener in the 7th over. This was the first time in the season that Delhi had got this kind of start as it laid the foundation for them to post a mammoth total at the end.

#2 Struggle for wickets in the middle overs

It was a tough time for the KKR bowlers as they didn’t manage to take wickets in the middle overs during the first innings. They were smacked by the duo of Prithvi Shaw and Shreyas Iyer to all parts of the ground. It was a struggle for the bowlers as they didn’t get the opportunity to make any inroads during the middle overs.

In the overs between 7-15, DD mustered 81 runs with just two wickets falling. Spinners found it difficult to repeat the exploits from their previous games. The trio of Narine, Chawla and Kuldeep were hammered all around the park and barring Chawla, the other two ended with an economy rate of more than 10.

#3 The crucial partnership between Shaw-Iyer

After the brisk start, Delhi managed to get in the powerplay overs, it was important to carry the momentum in the quest to post a mammoth total. The much-required impetus was provided by the partnership of Prithvi Shaw and Shreyas Iyer. The Mumbai born duo blazed their way to individual fifties.

Prithvi, in his second game for the franchise, looked much impressive as he scored his maiden 50 in the league. Shreyas Iyer, who was the captaining the side for the first time, played a captain’s knock to ensure that the team was well on course to stay ahead of the opposition.

#4 Too many wickets lost in the powerplays by KKR

It was always difficult after the kind of start the visitors managed in the first six overs in their innings. Delhi Daredevils bowlers were instrumental in their execution to push the opposition on the backfoot upfront.

It was some fast and fiery bowling spell from their strike bowlers who bowled with full control. Kolkata was already in trouble as they lost four wickets to see them in deep waters. Avesh Khan and Glenn Maxwell took a wicket apiece and Trent Boult took 2 wickets in the initial 6 overs.

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