That’s exactly what the beast is capable of! Finn Allen put on an absolute carnage show in Delhi, a six-hitting masterclass as he became the fourth KKR player to score an IPL hundred. KKR completely outplayed DC on their home turf, handing Delhi their fifth defeat at home this season. Their campaign now looks all but over.
Meanwhile, KKR have found serious momentum, making it four wins on the trot to climb up to 7th spot and keep their playoff hopes alive. Up next, we head to Jaipur tomorrow where Gujarat Titans take on Rajasthan Royals. For now, this is Pritam Dey signing off on behalf of my co-commentators Akshay Bhide and Ninaad Dixit who, along with scorers/analysts Paras Yadav and Manish Bishnoi & statistician Aman brought all the updates of this clash. Stay tuned for more cricketing action from around the world. BYE BYE👋
Finn Allen (Player of the Match): "(Did he give himself a bit more time in the middle?) I think I was working on having more strengths on my belt. Yes, we lost a couple of early wickets. So, I tried to have a bit of responsibility and get a win on the board for the boys.
(On how he paced his innings) As I said, I just tried to knuckle down carefully. It was still challenging at the start. Axar bowled really well and restricted us. I was just trying to get in strong positions and bat deep.
(On hitting so many sixes) Well, that's something I have been trying to work on. I know it's not easy to stay in it. I was working with Watto (Watson) and Abhishek as I was just trying to give myself a few chance as I know I was getting starts but was unable to convert them. It's been pretty frustrating but good to have a personal success.
(How difficult is it to pace the innings he did today) I was playing according to the situation. For a second, it's important to forget about my batting and play the situation. I think I knew that if I stayed out there, we have a chance. I was committed to facing 40 balls which doesn't happen quite often. It was keeping me ticking today and I was trying to take it deep.
(An innings of comebacks after being dropped for a while) Look, sometimes it changes your perspective right? You go out of the team, have a mental refresh. To be honest, I was putting a lot of pressure on myself at the start. It was nice to have that setback, refresh and come back in. And yeah."
Player of the Match: Finn Allen
Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders Captain): "[What aspect pleased him the most tonight?] I think first of all, let me say I'm really happy for Finn Allen. He was struggling for the first few games but he was working very hard. Also, pleased to see the bowlers do their work. Fielding-wise, we are working hard. Our fielding coach is strict with us. Yes, things are working for us. Credit goes to our fielding coach as well.
[On the chat with Narine] I think just leave him alone. As a captain, I'm lucky to have Narine and Varun with me. He's (Narine) trying to learn from other players. He's sharing the experience with everyone. That's what helps me on the field. Whenever I tell him to bowl, he's always ready.
[On the bowling] It's all about staying in the moment. That's what we have talked about in the dressing room. You have to be attentive. We have been playing well in the first five games as well. It's about the crucial moments that are important. I want to give the credit to our bowling coaches Bravo and Tim Southee. Also, Anukul who had a fantastic domestic season and Kartik who is confident. These two guys have been really good. As a bowling unit, we are doing very well.
[Is Varun okay?] As long as he is bowling, he is happy. When he's fielding, he just wants to go out. He's fine."
Most Dot Balls in the Match: Sunil Narine (14)
Most Fours in the Match: Finn Allen (5)
Most Sixes in the Match: Finn Allen (10)
Super Striker of the Match: Finn Allen (SR 212.76)
Trivia: Finn Allen became only the second New Zealand batter to score an IPL hundred after Brendon McCullum, who registered two centuries in the tournament — one each for KKR and CSK.