IPL 2023 [Twitter Reactions]: Arshdeep Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa steer PBKS to victory over KKR

[Brexiter]

In a thrilling encounter between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, PBKS emerged victorious by 7 runs (DLS method).

After winning the toss, KKR elected to bowl first. The home team posted a daunting total of 191/5 in their 20 overs, thanks to brilliant contributions from their top and middle-order batters. Bhanuka Rajapaksa (50 runs off 32) was the top scorer for the Kings, while Shikhar Dhawan (40 runs off 29) and Sam Curran (26 runs off 17) also played valuable knocks. For KKR, Tim Southee (2 wickets for 54 runs) was the pick of the bowlers.

In response, the Knight Riders started off poorly, losing their openers quickly. However, Andre Russell (35 runs off 19) played a cameo to keep their hopes alive. But Arshdeep Singh (3 wickets for 19 runs) led a brilliant bowling effort from the Kings, which restricted KKR to 146/7 in 16 overs.

For the Mohali-based franchise, Arshdeep was the standout performer with the ball, while Sikandar Raza (1 wicket for 25 runs) and Nathan Ellis (1 wicket for 27 runs) also bowled well.

Arshdeep was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for his brilliant bowling performance. The match was interrupted by rain, and the Dhawan-led side was declared winner by 7 runs.

It was a great start to the tournament for Preity Zinta-owned PBKS, who would be looking to carry forward the momentum in the upcoming matches, while Shahrukh Khan’s KKR would be hoping to bounce back in their next game.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

st match, st win! ?

Sadde ?s put on a blockbuster show in Mohali! ?#JazbaHaiPunjabi #SaddaSquad #PBKSvKKR #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/o0nuBho9aA

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 1, 2023

#NGL, this Dhawan-Rajapaksa partnership is top-notch. ?

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 1, 2023

Hum Jeet Gaye?
So so proud of this team.@PunjabKingsIPL#JazbaHaiPunjabi #PunjabKings #PBKSvKKR #IPL2023 #KKR #PBKS #SaddaPunjab pic.twitter.com/5ofWiXajZe

— Aarushi Joshi (@Aarushijoshi6_) April 1, 2023

Exactly one year apart, Bhanuka Rajapaksa's top two innings in IPL, in terms of our Attack Ratings, came against KKR. Today's knock is also his highest score in IPL.

01/04/2022- 31 runs off 9 balls (225)
01/04/2023- 50 runs off 31 balls (206)
(*Attack Rating)#PBKSvKKR #IPL2023

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) April 1, 2023

PBKS begins the season on a winning note.#ipl2023 #cricket #PBKSvKKR | ? https://t.co/DymSPH4ckg #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/0UeP12LZzc

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 1, 2023

My favourite Srilankan player. Welcome to the IPl Rajapaksa. pic.twitter.com/FhbD0bEmsy

— ANSHUMAN? (@AvengerReturns) April 1, 2023

Rajapaksa must be the biggest lottery for any IPL team in recent times. No one thought he would make it into the XI looking at punjab's squad initially but man's been batting with unreal intent ever since he got a chance.

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) April 1, 2023

Punjab beat Kolkata by 7 runs according to the DL Method.

Arshdeep Singh is the hero. pic.twitter.com/tGNGSef5Xs

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 1, 2023

Arshdeep Singh the generational gem pic.twitter.com/orZckVllOJ

— jasmine Gavin Thomas (@TiredOfProcess) April 1, 2023

In Powerplay, Arshdeep Singh has the best strike rate (19.5) and 2nd best average (24.25) since 2020 in IPL (min. 300 balls bowled). One of the best Powerplay bowlers in recent times.#PBKSvKKR #IPL2023

— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) April 1, 2023

? MATCH-WINNER! Arshdeep Singh was the X factor for the Punjab Kings tonight.

? He was at his usual best as he picked 3 wickets to assure PBKS of this victory!

? BCCI • #ArshdeepSingh #PBKSvKKR #IPL #IPL2023 #TATAIPL #BharatArmy pic.twitter.com/Dzoz9Lb890

— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) April 1, 2023

What a Great Spell By Arshdeep Singh @arshdeepsinghh ?@realpreityzinta

1st : W W
2nd :
3rd : W #IPL2023 #IPLonJioCinema #PBKSvKKR #PBKSvsKKR pic.twitter.com/U8EMzgUifv

— Zain Rajpoot (@zain_rajpoot39) April 1, 2023

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