KKR spinners shine as they crush RCB in IPL match; Mamata Banerjee lauds

• Kolkata Knight Riders beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 81 runs in the IPL match at Eden Gardens
• All-rounder Shardul Thakur's unbeaten 68 off 20 balls led KKR to a massive total of 204/7
• After the match, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee congratulated the KKR players for their first home win of the season.

The Kolkata Knight Riders' victory over the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL on Thursday was a comprehensive one, as they outplayed their opponents in all departments.

The KKR bowlers put up a clinical performance, with Varun Chakravarthy picking up four wickets for just 15 runs in less than four overs. The spinners ran amok and made life difficult for the RCB batsmen, who could not get going and were bowled out for a paltry 123 runs.

Earlier in the day, KKR's batting had also been impressive, thanks to Shardul Thakur's all-round show. After the team was struggling at 89-5 in the 12th over, Thakur took the attack to the opposition, hitting nine fours and three sixes in his 68-run knock. His dominant performance turned the match in KKR's favor and helped them post a formidable total of 204/7.

After the match, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee congratulated the KKR players for their first home win of the season.

She tweeted, "Today's victory is extremely special because it is also the first match of the season in Eden Gardens Stadium! Heartiest congratulations to @KKRiders...every single player gave their best. Good luck for all upcoming matches!"

KKR's next match is against the defending champions, Gujarat Titans, in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The team will also have the services of English opener Jason Roy available for this match. With this win, KKR will be hoping to carry their momentum forward and climb up the IPL points table.