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Kolkata Knight Riders Secure Last-Ball Thriller Against Rajasthan Royals to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
In a high-scoring clash at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) triumphed by just 1 run over Rajasthan Royals, sealing a thrilling last-ball win on Sunday to keep their playoff hopes alive. With 3 runs needed off the final delivery, Shubham Dubey sprinted for two, but Jofra Archer fell short at the non-striker's end, handing KKR a dramatic victory.
Earlier, Riyan Parag's blistering 45-ball 95 for Rajasthan Royals threatened to spoil KKR's plans as he led a strong chase for 207 runs. However, a lack of support from his teammates meant the Royals fell just short. Andre Russell, who had been struggling for form throughout the season, turned the game around for KKR with a blistering 57* off 38 balls, including 41 runs off just 12 balls in the death overs, pushing KKR past the 200-run mark.
Jofra Archer impressed with his pace, bowling tight lengths and keeping KKR's openers, Sunil Narine and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, in check. However, it was Yudhvir Singh Charak’s inconsistent lines that allowed KKR to capitalize early. Gurbaz, who made a good start, eventually fell, while Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi also played handy knocks.
As Rajasthan Royals tightened their grip with spin, KKR’s Russell produced a storm of boundaries, forcing bowlers to stray wide and concede extra runs. Rinku Singh also added vital runs in the final over, ensuring KKR posted a competitive total of 206/4 in 20 overs.
Rajasthan’s chase got off to a rocky start with early wickets. Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Kunal Singh Rathore were dismissed cheaply, leaving the Royals at 17/2 in the third over. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal (34) and Parag fought back with a partnership that took the score to 71/5 by the eighth over. Despite Parag's brave knock, KKR bowlers, led by Varun Chakaravarthy and Moeen Ali, struck crucial blows, and Rajasthan were 71/5 after the powerplay.
Parag and Shimron Hetmyer (21) kept the Royals' hopes alive with some aggressive batting. However, KKR's bowlers, including Harshit Rana, who was expensive early on, came back strongly in the death overs. Rana dismissed Parag, who was caught in the deep for a brilliant 95, and despite a last-ditch effort from Shubham Dubey, who hit two sixes in the final over, Rajasthan fell just short.
With the victory, KKR moved closer to playoff contention. The match concluded with KKR winning by 1 run, securing 206/4 in 20 overs, while Rajasthan Royals posted 205/8 in their chase.
What’s Next?
Kolkata Knight Riders will next host Chennai Super Kings on May 7, as they look to continue their playoff push. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals will take a week-long break before heading to Chennai to face the Super Kings on May 12.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 206/4 in 20 overs (Andre Russell 57*, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 44; Riyan Parag 1-21) beat Rajasthan Royals 205/8 in 20 overs (Riyan Parag 95, Yashasvi Jaiswal 34; Varun Chakaravarthy 2-32) by 1 run.
Player of the match-Andre Russel.
Todays Match
SRH VS DC
Hyderabad
7.30pm
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