Kolkata Knight Riders had won only 5 out of 12 games played in this IPL. Another was must win game for them & also have to increase their run rate a lot, so that they can get into semi-finals. Other-side Rajasthan had won 6 matches out of 13 matches played, even for them this match considered to be very important & had to win the match with huge margin to make it to semi-finals. Both the teams clashed today at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Rajasthan Royals won the toss & elected to bat first.
Shane Watson & Naman Ojha opened the innings for the Rajasthan Royals, they started off very well. Shane Watson was out in the 3rd delivery of the 8th over, which was supposed to be considered as the turning point of the match. Rajasthan Royals started to loose wickets very regularly with the run rate dropping as well. They could not sustain the Kolkata Knight Riders attack, they lost 9 wickets completing 20 overs. The run rate they had made was very less, it was 6.60 runs per over. They made a total of 132 runs, which was supposed to be a very easy chase for the opponents. Rajasthan Royals top scorer was Shane Watson who had scored 44 runs from 26 deliveries which included 7 fours & a six.
Kolkata Knight Riders started their chase with a grand style, with the openers Sourav Ganguly & Brendon McCullum. Their run rate was higher than the required rate, Brendon McCullum was out in the 3rd over. Even Chris Gayle followed Brendon & went back to the pavilion without scoring a run. At this point of time, Kolkata Knight Riders had completed 2.5 overs scoring 22 runs & lost 2 precious wickets. Skipper Sourav Ganguly was on the crease, Cheteshwar Pujara came out to accompany him. Both played brilliantly till the end & finished off the innings sparing 23 delivieries. By 16.1 overs, Kolkata Knight Riders scored 133 runs thereby winning the match by 8 wickets. Sourav Ganguly scored a brilliant unbeaten 75 runs from 50 deliveries & Pujara scored a unbeaten 45 runs from 38 deliveries. KKR's net run rate has improved to -0.456, this means they have to win the upcoming match which will be played against the Mumbai Indians with a huge margin which is almost impossible to achieve. Let wait & watch... :D