Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) continued their winning momentum by sealing two matches on a trot beating Rajasthan Royals (RR) at their home ground by seven wickets on Wednesday.
Bowling first, the visitors restricted Rajasthan for a modest total of 160 after a splendid effort from the wrist spinners.
The duo of Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav kept things tight for the host as they failed to get away with runs.
However, a good start by Ajinkya Rahane (36) and D’Arcy Short (44) ensured Rajasthan a good start prior to the collapse. It was some late blow from Jos Buttler (24*) to helped them to go past 150.
Meanwhile, in reply, it was a cakewalk chase for Kolkata as the top-order ensured that they cruised to victory.
All the batters stood up to the occasion, however, some mighty blows from Dinesh Karthik (42*) ensured they cross the line with seven balls to spare.
Here is the players rating of Kolkata Knight Riders:
Chris Lynn: (1/10)
The swashbuckling opener Chris Lynn has struggled so far in the season. Although he has scored runs in bits and pieces, but it has been a sad story for Lynn.
He was cleaned by Krishnappa Gowtham in the first over of Kolkata’s innings as he failed to open his account.
Sunil Narine: (6.5/10):
Although Sunil Narine was expensive with the ball, he made it up with the bat giving KKR a good start. He contributed 35 off 25 deliveries before getting run out, unfortunately.
However, he had a bad day with the ball giving away 48 runs in his four overs full quota.
Robin Uthappa: (8/10):
Kolkata’s banked on their batting-order to win two games on a trot and Robin Uthappa is one of the reasons – the batting unit has functioned like a well-oiled machine.
Continuing his good form, the right-handed batsman scored 48 runs off 36 deliveries to take his team closer to the target.
Nitish Rana: (9/10):
The young all-rounder from Delhi Nitish Rana has been a revelation for the Kolkata side. Rana has done amazingly well with the bat playing some good knocks.
He continued where he left in the last game playing the second hand to Karthik with a timely knock of 35 of 27 deliveries.
Dinesh Karthik (c & wk): (9/10):
Dinesh Karthik has shown immense maturity since he took over reigns of the Knight Riders. He has played a couple of good innings coming in the middle-order.
Meanwhile, he was in good touch today as he struck a 23-ball 42 to see his team through.
Andre Russell: (2/10):
Andre Russell had no role to play in this match after winning it for KKR in the last game.
However, his form will be a huge booster for the Kolkata side as he is capable of winning matches alone.
Shubman Gill: (1/10):
The young Subhman Gill had no role to play with the bat as the top-order did the job.
However, he will be hoping to spend some time in the middle and score some runs for the team.
Tom Curran: (5/10):
Although Tom Curran picked two wickets at the end but was expensive with the ball. He gave away 19 runs from his two overs as Rajasthan crossed the 150-run mark.
The Englishmen will look to improve his performance in the upcoming outings.
Piyush Chawla: (8/10):
The experienced campaigner Piyush Chawla was absolutely spot on with the ball as Kolkata restricted Rajasthan to 160.
He returned with one for 18 bowling his full quota of four overs.
Shivam Mavi: (4.5/10):
The young Shivam Mavi gave away 40 runs in his four overs as the seamers struggled to contain the batsman on a sluggish surface.
However, speedster Mavi removed Sanju Samson cheaply, who has shown great form so far in the season.
Meanwhile, it is a learning curve for the young pacer and this will help his career a world of good.
Kuldeep Yadav: (7/10):
The wrist-spinners were absolutely stunning for Kolkata. Kuldeep Yadav returned with one for 23 in his four overs, as he blocked one end from getting away with runs.
Kuldeep’s form will boost Kolkata Knight Riders going deep into the tournament.
Also read: Ben Stokes takes an amazing boundary catch to send back Uthappa