During the Eliminator of the 11th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Kolkata, Kolkata Knight Riders scored 169-7 in their allotted quota of 20 overs.
Earlier Ajinkya Rahane, captain of Rajasthan Royals, had won the toss and chose to field. In a knock-out match, both the teams opted for not tinkering with their winning combination, fielding the same playing eleven.
Krishnappa Gowtham made early inroads into the Knight Riders’ batting line-up. Opening the bowling for the visitors, he dismissed Sunil Narine and Robin Uthappa in his first two overs. At the end of the powerplay, the hosts were reeling at 46-3.
All eyes were on the experienced pair Chris Lynn and Dinesh Karthik, who were battling it out in the middle. Trouble increased for them further when Shreyas Gopal sent back Lynn in the eight over. At the halfway mark, the Knight Riders had scored a below par 63-4.
Karthik and Shubman Gill eased their nerves by stitching an impressive 55-run partnership. Gill was dismissed in the 15th over by Jofra Archer which brought Andre Russell in the middle. The flamboyant all-rounder got going form the word go which aided his team to post a handsome total.
Karthik completed his 16th IPL half-century in the 17th over, a captain’s innings which came at a crucial juncture for his team. With bowling figures of 3-0-15-2, Gowtham was the pick of the bowlers for Rajasthan Royals.
Watch some of the Twitter reactions on the first innings:
#KKRvRR
One thing I like about Eden Gardens is the name. So much more picturesque than naming stadiums after people.— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) May 23, 2018
Everyone : Sunil Narine struggles against bouncers
Rahane : Cool. I will give the first over to a spinner.#KKRvRR
— SAGAR (@sagarcasm) May 15, 2018
Things that are getting too expensive :
3. Diesel
2. Petrol
1. Unadkat#KKRvRR— SAGAR (@sagarcasm) May 23, 2018
Archer’s addition to @rajasthanroyals has added a whole new dimension to their bowling unit. His presence has helped Gowtham and Unadkat bowl better too. No wonder he’s #RR’s #ParleG #YouAreMyParleG @officialparleg #KKRvRR
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 23, 2018
#KKR the better team on paper, but expectations low from #RR and have their backs to the wall, might be a dangerous space for the opposition #KKRvRR #IPL2018 #IPLplayoff
— subramani badrinath (@s_badrinath) May 23, 2018
Andre Russell Really Showing them who’s Boss! These boundaries don’t want to stop! Incredible.
39(20)*. 19 overs gone. #KKRvRR— Ayesha Aziz 2.0 (@Ayeshaaziz__) May 23, 2018
Kolkata Knight Riders go into the game today as overwhelming favourites. On the other hand, Rajasthan go in with comparatively lesser expectations. KKR will have to exceed expectations while RR will have to just meet them. Good game of Cricket awaits #KKRvRR
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) May 23, 2018
NOW Dinesh Karthik and Jaydev unadkat is the last hope for KKR 😂#IPL2018 #KKRvRR
— ☄ (@fake_bumrah_) May 23, 2018
This partnership should last long and Shubman Gill can't get a better chance to showcase his pure talent. DK is going well, vital wicket for both the teams.#KKRvRR
— Jaanvi 🏏 (@ThatCricketBuff) May 23, 2018
Karthik and Russel ne Ijjat baccha li. Uthappa and Rana, You just cannot take this so easily. If we lose this, We're out! Should've stepped up. Nevermind, Over to the ballers. #KKRvRR q
— Ansh (@Kun_esque) May 23, 2018
Did Sunil Gavaskar just say that "Gowtham didn't quiet get going" 🤦🤦🤦. Gowtham is the big time finisher for RR and Gavaskar just said that he didn't quiet get going. #KKRvRR
— …. (@ynakg2) May 23, 2018
#KKR in a spot of slight bother. Was expecting Shubhman to be promoted today. #KKRvRR #IPL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 23, 2018
How ironic is it that Robin got caught by Gowtham city! #KKRvRR
— M Says (@MayankDPatel1) May 23, 2018
