Revisiting the iconic IPL 2008 opener between RCB and KKR
What's the story
The Indian Premier League (IPL), which began in 2008, revolutionized franchise cricket globally. The tournament's first-ever match saw Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. KKR delivered a dominant performance, thrashing the home side by a staggering 140 runs while setting multiple records. Here's a look back at the iconic 2008 IPL opener.
Summary
McCullum's historic unbeaten ton sees KKR post 222/3
Batting first a one-man onslaught from Brendon McCullum not only saw him post the then-highest T20 score but also saw KKR manage a mammoth 222/3 in their 20 overs. McCullum shared a 61-run stand alongside Sourav Ganguly before adding 51 runs alongside Ricky Ponting. After that, he stitched another 60-run stand with David Hussey. An unbeaten 50-run stand followed with Mohammad Hafeez.
Ton
A look at McCullum's ton
As mentioned, the former KKR batter delivered a spectacular performance. With a strike rate of 216.43, he reached his fifty in 32 balls and his maiden IPL century in just 53. Entertaining the Chinnaswamy crowd, he smashed 10 boundaries and 13 sixes. His unbeaten 158* was the then-highest individual T20 score, while torching the RCB bowlers in a masterclass batting display.
RCB batting
RCB offer a woeful batting display
Chasing 223, RCB's batting crumbled as KKR bowlers dominated. The Rahul Dravid-led side lost 4 wickets inside the powerplay and never moved on. Praveen Kumar was the only batter to reach double figures, scoring 18* off 15 balls. Notably, RCB's innings consisted of three fours and three sixes. Ultmately, they folded for 82 runs in 15.1 overs.
Bowling prowess
KKR's bowlers get the better of RCB's batters
KKR won by 140 runs, thanks to a combined effort from the bowlers. Ajit Agarkar was the pick of the bowlers finishing with 3/25 from his 4 overs. Meanwhile, Ashoke Dinda's 2/9 combined with Sourav Ganguly's 2/21, and one wicket each from Ishant Sharma and Laxmi Shukla saw RCB suffer. This was a complete performance from KKR and they lit up the tourney.