Nitish Rana gets highest-ever Dream11 IPL score of 87 vs Chennai; watch video

With qualification on line for Kolkata, Eoin Morgan and co. needed one of ir top order plays to fire in all cylinders against Chennai in Dream11 IPL 2020 on Thursday. And after opening batting, Nitish Rana took onus on himself as he ensured Kolkata got to a competitive total, in an excellently compiled innings. 26-year-old’s innings powered his side to 172 in ir 20 overs, with his innings contributing more than 50% of his team’s total.

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Kolkata vs Chennai: Nitish Rana's best-ever score carries Kolkata to 172/5

Opening batting with Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana took his time to assess conditions and h mustered only 10 from his 15 deliveries on Thursday. However, with left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner bowling final over of powerplay, 26-year-old opened floodgates, finding boundary regularly. wickets of Gill and Narine meant that elegant left-hander h to keep his shots in check, and reached his half-century off 44 deliveries. 

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Soon after reaching milestone, Rana took a toll on Chennai bowlers and took a special liking to Karn Sharma, depositing him for three consecutive sixes in 16th over of innings. Kolkata star's late assault meant that two-time champions ended with a strong score of 172, far more than what was touted at one st. Rana's 87 off 61 was also his best-ever effort in Dream11 IPL, bettering 85* he scored against Bangalore last year. 

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Rana Dream11 IPL stats

After finding his feet in Dream11 IPL with Mumbai, Nitish Rana came onto his own after being signed up by Kolkata in 2018. 26-year-old h aggregated more than 650 runs for franchise over past two seasons and has established himself as a vital cog in ir middle order. former Mumbai star has been in fine form during Dream11 IPL 2020 and has aggregated 352 runs so far, his best-ever tally in a Dream11 IPL season.

Rana's efforts have been crucial for Kolkata, and Eoin Morgan and Co. will hope that 26-year-old can keep up his form as y make a dash for playoff qualification. His 87 against Chennai was his second half-century in three games and his fourth this season and his 11th overall in tournament. 

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(Im Courtesy: IPL Twitter)