Watch: Evin Lewis took a one-handed stunner in the last over of Lucknow Super Giants’ narrow two-run win against Kolkata Knight Riders, helping them jump to second spot in the points table ahead of the 2022 IPL playoffs.
Chasing 211 to stay alive in the competition, Kolkata Knight Riders were well placed to overhaul the target, reaching 131-3 in 13.3 overs. However, the Lucknow Super Giants bowlers struck back, with the Knights reeling at 150-6, and the Shreyas Iyer-led team needing another 61 runs in 20 balls.
The duo of Rinku Singh and Sunil Narine ignited hopes yet again, with the equation reducing to 21 ahead of the last over that was to be bowled by Marcus Stoinis. Kolkata Knight Riders seemed to have the game in their kitty after Rinku smashed a four and two successive sixes in the first three balls of the over, leaving the side with five runs to get off the last three balls. Rinku ran two off the fourth ball, and with just three more to get went for a hit over extra cover, with the ball expected to land between the two fielders.
However, what followed left everyone in awe: Lewis ran in from deep backward point with an outstretched left hand and the ball found its way into his palm, much to the jubilation of the fielders. It turned out to be a game-changer as Rinku departed for 40 off 15 and Kolkata Knight Riders were unable to get over the line, with Umesh Yadav getting clean bowled off the last ball.
Stoinis, after the game, stated in jest that Lewis should have been awarded the Player of the Match award for the single catch, while Pommie Mbangwa, on live commentary, called it “the best catch ever!”
Earlier, Quinton de Kock scored a record-breaking 140* in 70 balls, which allowed Lucknow Super Giants to post 210-0 on the board. The KL Rahul-led side have qualified for the playoffs, and Kolkata Knight Riders became the third team, after Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, to get knocked out.
Watch the Evin Lewis catch here:
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