KKR keep their play-offs qualification hopes alive in IPL 2018
What's the story
Kolkata Knight Riders beat Rajasthan Royals in match number 49 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. Chasing a below-par 143 in 20 overs, KKR got past the line with Chris Lynn (45) and Dinesh Karthik (41*) showing maturity and taking their time to get the job done. Earlier, Jos Buttler top scored with 38 runs for RR. Here is the match in numbers.
Big factor
Narine's runs a bonus for KKR
Sunil Narine smashed 21 runs off the first over he faced and took Krishnappa Gowtham to the cleaners. His strike-rate of 300 on Tuesday was another crucial performance which tells why KKR sends him atop. He has amassed 298 runs this season in 13 games to show his prowess as a hard-hitting batsman. This is also his best season in terms of runs scored.
Deadly duo
Karthik the finisher, Lynn shows craft
It is not just the whirlwind Lynn we all know. He has brought this new dimension to his game and that is to bat long and stay till the end. He stitched a 50+ run stand with Karthik, besides getting to 370 runs in 13 matches. Meanwhile, DK became the first KKR player to notch 400+ runs in IPL 2018.
Big hits
Buttler lights up RR power-play yet again
After hitting five consecutive fifties in IPL 2018, Jos Buttler was once again dangerous. He smashed 28 runs of a Shivam Mavi over hitting two cheeky sixes and four fours. RR would have not asked for a better foundation in the power-play where Buttler and Tripathi grew strong and amassed 63 runs within five overs. They brought up 50 runs in 20 balls.
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Mavi goes for runs yet again
One should feel for a young Shivam Mavi. The Under-19 star conceded 28 runs in an over for the second time in IPL 2018. He had earlier conceded 28 against DD at the Kotla, where Shreyas Iyer took him on and made him disappear.
Numbers game
Stat box - KKR vs RR
This was the 17th time the sides met in IPL and KKR sealed their eight victory. RR lead 9-8 in overall meets. At the Eden Gardens, this was the sixth meeting with the hosts enjoying a 5-1 cushion. Earlier this season, KKR beat RR in Jaipur and thus they have completed the double over Ajinkya Rahane's side. KKR have 14 points to Royals' 12.
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KKR spinners rule the roost
KKR's spinners have picked 43 wickets in IPL 2018, which in turn is the most by any team this season. Kuldeep Yadav 4/20, clinched his best figures this season. Sunil Narine 1/29, amassed his 15th wicket in this edition which is the highest for KKR.