IPL 2019, KKR vs MI: Lynn, Gill, Russel maul Mumbai to post highest total of the season

Fielding let down Mumbai Indians big time with both Lynn and Russell dropped early in their innings by Kieron Pollard and Evin Lewis respectively

Kolkata Knight Riders batsmen set the Eden Gardens ablaze, posting this season's highest total—232 for two—in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Mumbai Indians on Sunday. Staring at elimination following a six-match losing streak, the embattled KKR got off to a fiery start with Shubman Gill (76) and Chris Lynn (54) putting on a 96-run opening stand, their highest this season, after Rohit Sharma opted to bowl in his 100th match as captain.

Chris Lynn's Lynntastic 54(29) https://t.co/YuYMM85hQj

— Aakash Biswas (@aami_aakash) April 28, 2019

Andre Russell, KKR's biggest impact player of the season, was finally seen higher up the order at No 3. The West Indies power-hitter ensured that KKR finished on a high with an unbeaten 80 off 40 balls.

Russell Mania at Eden Gardens - 80*(40) https://t.co/e3LFSUUDo1

— Aakash Biswas (@aami_aakash) April 28, 2019

Russell hammered six fours and eight sixes including one off the last ball after he denied a couple of singles to skipper Dinesh Karthik in the last over as KKR creamed 75 runs from the last five overs and scored 135 in the final 10. Fielding let down Mumbai Indians big time with both Lynn and Russell dropped early in their innings by Kieron Pollard and Evin Lewis respectively. The top-order batting was all about the sheer class of the 19-year-old Gill, who showed why he is billed as the future star of Indian cricket. Gill smashed six fours and four sixes en route to his second half-century of the season and forged a crucial stand with Russell. The duo shared 62 runs from 35 balls of which Gill had a share of 34, while Russell scored 24.

Shubman Gill's 76(45) batting brilliance https://t.co/egjfIZSREZ

— Aakash Biswas (@aami_aakash) April 28, 2019

On a belter of a track, KKR openers got off to a sensational start and survived the powerplay without losing a wicket for their highest opening stand—96—this season.