Kolkata Knight Riders suffered two unfortunate dismissals early in their chase against Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday. Despite the early setbacks, KKR recovered brilliantly to seal a dominant victory with more than five overs remaining.
Chasing a modest target of 143, KKR got off to a strong start through captain Ajinkya Rahane and explosive opener Finn Allen. Rahane looked in excellent touch, smashing a six and a boundary as the visitors raced to 29 without loss in just three overs.
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However, luck turned against the Knight Riders in the fourth over. Mitchell Starc delivered a full ball to Allen, who drilled it straight back at the bowler. Starc got fingertips to the ball in his follow-through, and the deflection cannoned into the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Rahane, who had stepped out looking for a quick single, was caught short of his crease and run out for 19 off 13 balls.
FIRST – Ajinkya Rahane. ✅
SECOND – Angkrish Raghuvanshi. ✅2 unluckiest dismissals for KKR in tonight’s match against DC. Sometimes cricket becomes cruel game.🤯pic.twitter.com/FhdHIBYPew
— Maina Singh (@Maina_Singhx77) May 8, 2026
Who needs Albert Einstein when we have Mitchell Starc 🔥
A perfect deflection by Starc to run out Ajinkya Rahane. pic.twitter.com/cTlEgNpBiU
— Abhishek Kumar (@Abhishek060722) May 8, 2026
KKR’s problems deepened in the following over when young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi fell cheaply. Facing DC skipper Axar Patel, Raghuvanshi attempted a cautious defensive shot, but the ball spun sharply past the outside edge and crashed into the stumps. The talented youngster departed for just one run, leaving KKR at 31/2.
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Despite the mini-collapse, Finn Allen turned the game completely in KKR’s favour with a sensational counterattack. The New Zealand batter smashed his maiden IPL century in only 47 balls, dismantling the Delhi bowling attack with fearless strokeplay.
Allen’s explosive knock ensured KKR comfortably chased down the target and boosted their playoff hopes in IPL 2026.
