IPL 2024: Chakravarthy spin magic after Arora's early blows help KKR restrict Delhi to 153/9

NEW DELHI: Varun Chakravarthy's three crucial wickets in the middle overs complemented Vaibhav Arora's impressive start as Kolkata Knight Riders showcased a vastly improved bowling performance, restricting Delhi Capitals to a modest 153/9 in their IPL clash in Kolkata on Monday.Making a comeback, Arora (2/29) provided KKR with a strong start during the power play after Delhi chose to bat on a challenging wicket.Chakravarthy, introduced in the ninth over, then weaved a spellbinding performance as he bowled four consecutive overs and claimed the key dismissals of Rishabh Pant (27; 20 balls), Tristan Stubbs (4; 7 balls), and impact substitute Kumar Kushagra (1), finishing with an impactful spell of 3/16 that turned the match in KKR's favor.Harshit Rana also contributed with two wickets, but Mitchell Starc remained a weak link in the bowling attack, with the star Australian pacer conceding 43 runs in his three overs, averaging 14.30 runs per over.Veteran Sunil Narine went about his task quietly to end with 1/24 while accounting for Axar Patel (15; 21b), as none of the DC batter could consolidate after a brisk start.On a day their batters failed to capitalise, Kuldeep Yadav became Delhi's top-scorer and his 26-ball 35 not out against his former franchise was the reason they crossed the 150-mark.KKR, in fact, would be disappointed for not being able to bowl out Delhi despite having them at 111/8 inside 15 overs, and Kuldeep's knock frustrated the home team.For a change, there were no fireworks at a venue that has witnessed record runs being scored and innumerable sixes being hit.This time the bowlers dominated the power play, reducing Delhi to 67/3 on a pitch that seemed to be two-paced as batters struggled to get their timing right.Making a return after missing the last two matches, seamer Arora seized the early initiative, striking twice for KKR inside four overs.First, Arora halted Prithvi Shaw's brisk start and dismissed him for 13. Then, he bowled a peach of a delivery that angled in before darting away after pitching to clean up Hope (6).The Eden Gardens also missed a Jake Fraser-McGurk special with Starc taking the latest IPL sensation's wicket in the third over.After smashing Starc for a six and four in successive deliveries, Fraser-McGurk wanted to clear the deep square leg, but mistimed and struck it straight to Venkatesh Iyer.From Delhi's perspective, their run-rate was way above 11 and they needed someone to consolidate but KKR kept taking wickets.Local player Abhishek Porel looked the most at ease, and took on Harshit Rana for successive 4-6-4 with exquisite timing and aggression.But Rana had the last laugh, beating the Bengal wicketkeeper with pace.Rishabh Pant got a reprieve on 18, when Rana dropped a sitter, but the Delhi skipper looked scratchy and was dismissed by Chakravarthy for a third time in the IPL.(With PTI inputs)