Kolkata Knight Riders moved one step closer to qualifying for playoff stage by beating Rajasthan Royals in the 49th match of VIVO IPL 2018 played at Eden Garden’s, Kolkata just finished a few moments ago. Winning the toss, Dinesh Karthik bowled first. Despite a great start by RR openers, they were able to post a modest total. While chasing, despite losing wickets, KKR won the match with ease.
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Dinesh Karthik won the toss and elected to field first. Rahul Tripathi came to open with Jos Buttler and smashed Kolkata Knight Riders bowlers with aggressive intent. Jos Buttler continued his brilliant form while opening, also Tripathi also played attacking strokes. Both of them added 63 runs for the first wicket in just 4.5 overs.
Rahane came to the crease and slowed down the scoring run rate. At the end of 6 overs, Rajasthan Royals scored 68 for 1. After the power play overs, Kolkata Knight Riders especially Kuldeep Yadav bowled a brilliant spell dismissing captain Rahane, well set Jos Buttler, Stuart Binny and Ben Stokes. K Gowtham also failed to contribute as many runs as he was dismissed for 3 runs.
Jaydev Unadkat scored 26 runs off 18 balls. Rajasthan Royals were bowled out for 142 in 19 overs. It was a dramatic collapse from Rajasthan Royals batsmen to not play full 20 overs. For Kolkata Knight Riders, Kuldeep Yadav picked 4 for 20 in 4 overs. Andre Russell picked and Prasidh Krishna picked 2 wickets each.
Chasing 143 runs to win, Sunil Narine got the team off to flying start scoring 21 runs. Ben Stokes dismissed Sunil Narine and then dismissed Robin Uthappa cheaply. At the end of 6 overs, KKR scored 51 for 2.
After the power play overs, Nitish Rana and Chris Lynn added 33 runs for the third wicket. Ish Sodhi dismissed Nitish Rana with DRS review system as the umpire gave it not out and RR decided to review it, the umpire had to change the decision to out. Chris Lynn and captain Dinesh Karthik played sensible shots. Both Lynn and Dinesh Karthik added 48 runs for the 4th wicket. Lynn was dismissed for 45 runs.
Captain Dinesh Karthik played a captains knock and remained not out on 41. KKR won the match by 6 wickets with 2 overs to spare. For Rajasthan Royals, Ben Stokes picked his best figures in IPL 2018 taking 3 for 15.
KKR 145 for 4 in 18 overs (Chris Lynn 45, Dinesh Karthik 41*, Ben Stokes 3/15) beat
RR 142 in 19 overs (Buttler 39, Tripathi 27, Unadkat 26, Kuldeep Yadav 4/20) by 6 wickets.
RR captain Rahane said: After Jos Buttler and Rahul Tripathi gave us a flying start, we were confident of getting 170-180. It was important to pick regular wickets intervals but could not do that. We have a chance of qualifying for playoff stages. Last game is in Jaipur and hopes to do well against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
KKR captain Dinesh Karthik said: We showed great character after the way Rajasthan Royals openers started. Kuldeep Yadav bowled brilliantly and picked wickets at regular intervals. With the qualification closer, we need to well in our last game against SRH.
Man of the match Kuldeep Yadav said: I was thinking about wickets. Jos Buttler batted brilliantly in the tournament and picking his wicket changed the momentum of the game. I am trying to keep the basics and bowl stump to stump line. We need to play well in our last match.
Last time these two teams met in this tournament, KKR won the match with ease at Jaipur.
Mumbai Indians will take on Kings XI Punjab in tomorrow”s match at Wankhade Stadium, Mumbai.
