IPL 2018: KKR beat Rajasthan Royals by 6 wickets, inch closer to playoffs

In the 49th match of the VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018, Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Rajasthan Royals by 6 wickets at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. They also strengthened their position at number three in the VIVO IPL points table. Chris Lynn played a crucial knock for Kolkata and Dinesh Karthik took the inning to a favourable conclusion. Kuldeep Yadav clinched four wickets for KKR, including Jos Buttler and Ajinkya Rahane, he was instrumental in derailing Rajasthan's innings after they started well with the bat. The match was important considering a loss here meant a slip in the table and dim chances for the playoffs.

Earlier, KKR won the toss and opted to field. Rajasthan openers Rahul Tripathi and Jos Buttler had blown the bugle and Kolkata looked helpless. It was raining runs, Kolkata was desperate for a breakthrough. To Kolkata's rejoice, the moment finally came as Tripathi was back into the pavilion. Just as Kolkata found an inroad into the game, they removed captain Ajinkya Rahane, Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson. From 63/1 in the fifth over to 96/5 in the 12th over, Rajasthan committed a debacle with the batting. Kolkata spinners inflicted major harm on Rajasthan, especially Kuldeep Yadav who wreaked havoc with the ball, clinching 4 wickets in his spell.

Chasing the target of 143 runs, KKR batsmen Sunil Nairne smashed 21 runs in the first over but soon fell. Lynn stretched his arms after being silent for a while, he kept adding runs and Karthik accompanied him. Ish Sodhi kept the batsmen guessing with his deliveries. The run-a-ball approach was paying off for KKR. The batsmen changed gear and some boundaries were visible soon. Buttler fell a few runs short of his fifty but Karthi carried on. In the end, KKR sealed the victory at home.