Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by 29 runs in a high-scoring IPL clash at the Eden Gardens on Saturday night.
Batting first, Kolkata put up a massive 247 runs on the board, courtesy of a brilliant 93-run knock by Finn Allen. He was supported by Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s unbeaten 82, which helped KKR cross an impressive scoring mark.
Earlier, GT skipper Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl first. Kolkata cashed in on the decision and scored 247 runs for the loss of wickets.
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, along with Allen, added 44 runs for the first wicket before Mohammed Siraj dismissed him for 14 runs scored off 14 deliveries.
Allen, who was dropped twice by Siraj and Jason Holder, made GT pay with his quick-fire half-century, which came in just 21 balls, with Raghuvanshi ticking along at the other end. Allen eventually scored 93 off 38 balls, courtesy of 10 sixes, before being dismissed by Sai Kishore.
Raghuvanshi took charge after the Kiwis’ fall and remained unbeaten on 82 off just 44 balls, while Aussie Cameron Green remained unbeaten alongside him on 52 off 28 deliveries.
Chasing the massive target, GT began well with Gill and Sai Sudharsan putting on 42 runs in just 3 overs before Sudharsan was hit on the elbow and had to leave the ground.
Sindhu did not last long on the crease and was dismissed by experienced Sunil Narine for just one run.
Gill and Buttler stitched up a 123-run stand, with both batters bringing up their half-centuries to keep GT well and truly in the race.
Buttler fell to Saurabh Dubey for 57 off 35, before Sudharsan brought up a valiant half-century, which ultimately went in vain as GT fell 29 runs short despite the opener’s unbeaten 53 off 28.
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