Kolkata Knight Riders bowlers defend 170 runs to beat Rajasthan Royals in the eliminator played at Eden Garden’s, Kolkata just finished a few moments ago. RR captain Rahane won the toss and bowled first. Despite losing early wickets, KKR batsmen posted a competitive total, bowlers did a great job to defend this target.
Rajasthan Royals captain Ajiyanka Rahane won the toss and elected to field first. The dangerous Sunil Narine was dismissed in the very first over by K Gowtham. Rajasthan Royals got big wickets of Robin Uthappa and Nitish Rana to leave KKR in big trouble at 24 for 3. Chris Lynn and KKR captain Dinesh Karthik steadied the innings. At the end of 6 overs, KKR scored 46 for 3.
After the powerplay overs, S Gopal picked the wicket of Chris Lynn for 18 runs. KKR captain Dinesh Karthik and young Shulman Gill played with positive intent putting pressure on Rajasthan Royals bowlers. Dinesh Karthik led from the front and showed class with his batting. Under 19 player Shubman Gill also played well. Both Karthik and Gill added 55 runs for the 5th wicket.
Andre Russell came to the crease and smashed the Rajasthan Royals bowlers. KKR captain Dinesh Karthik reached his half-century off 35 balls, was dismissed soon after for 52. Andre Russell hit some big sixes and remained not out on 49 off 25 balls. KKR recovered from a poor start and posted a total of 169 for 7.
Chasing 170, RR captain Rahane and Rahul Tripathi got the team off to a positive start. Both played aggressive strokes putting pressure on KKR bowlers. Piyush Chawla dismissed Rahul Tripathi for 20 ending 47 runs for the first wicket.
At the end of 6 overs, Rajasthan Royals scored 51 for 1. After the power play overs, Rahane and Sanju Samson continued their good batting. At one moment Rajasthan Royals required 61 off 6 overs, Piyush Chawla dismissed Rahane for 46. Both of them added 62 runs for the 2nd wicket. The Kolkata Knight Riders bowlers then did not give up easy runs. Samson reached his half-century off 37 balls and then was dismissed.
Prasidh Krishna bowled 2 great overs and helped Kolkata Knight Riders win the match by 25 runs. Henrich Klassen scored 18 off 18 while K Gowtham could score runs. For KKR, Piyush Chawla was the pick of bowlers with 2 for 24.
KKR 169 for 7 in 20 overs ( Dinesh Karthik 52, Andre Russell 49*, K Gowtham 2/15, Archer 2/35) beat
RR 144 for 4 in 20 overs ( Sanju Samson 50, Rahane 46, Piyush Chawla 2/24, Prasidh Krishna 1/28) by 25 runs.
RR captain Rahane said: The way we started from the ball was brilliant. I thought the total was gettable and the partnerships between me and Rahul and me and Sanju were good. Credit to KKR bowlers who put consistent pressure on us. With eight wickets in hand, we needed to get the job done.
KKR captain Dinesh Karthik said: We lost wickets early in the powerplay overs. Shubman Gill played a great knock and absorbed pressure. He played some lovely strokes which eased the pressure. Andre Russell was special. Our bowlers have done a great job and created pressure on the opposition. Now the next game will be qualifier 2 against a top quality team.
Man of the match Andre Russell said: Been hectic since the Kings XI Punjab game. Every game has been a final since then. We lost wickets early but I kept my composure and played big strokes which helped us to get a competitive total. With the qualifiers to be played at home, we need to continue to play aggressive cricket against SRH.
The second qualifier will be between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad to be played at Eden Gardens on 25th May.
