Kolkata Knight Riders scored 157/7in 16 overs, where as Mumbai Indians scored 139/8 in 16 overs.
So, finally Kolkata Knight Riders beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs – Match reduced to 16 overs per side due to rain
Guided by their economical spinners, KKR secured their spot as the first team to advance to the IPL 2024 playoffs with a convincing 18-run win over Mumbai Indians in a rain-shortened match at the Eden Gardens.
Following pre-match rain that reduced the game to a 16-overs-per-side contest, MI opted to bowl first after winning the toss.
KKR managed to post a modest total of 157/7.
However, MI struggled during their chase, particularly in the middle overs, where Varun Chakravarthy (2-17) and Sunil Narine (1-21) stifled their momentum.
Despite a strong start from Ishan Kishan, MI faltered against the spin duo, ultimately falling short of the target.
Chakravarthy and Narine’s combined efforts, yielding figures of 38/3 in seven overs, played a pivotal role in KKR’s victory, thwarting MI’s bid for a late comeback, even with brief contributions from Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir.
Kolkata Knight Riders
No fireworks from Salt, Narine as KKR posts par total
Power Play (1-5) – 45/3 (RR: 9, 4s/6s: 5/3)
KKR’s innings began with Phil Salt hitting a first-ball six, only to be dismissed by Nuwan Thushara soon after.
Sunil Narine followed suit with a golden duck, falling to Jasprit Bumrah’s inswinging yorker.
Venkatesh Iyer then took charge, counter attacking Bumrah with a flurry of boundaries.
However, KKR suffered a setback as skipper Shreyas Iyer lost his wicket to Anshul Kamboj’s delivery.
Venkatesh, Russell counterattack
Middle overs (6-12) – 71/2 (RR: 10.14, 4s/6s: 8/3)
Venkatesh maintained the momentum with occasional boundaries, while Nitish Rana capitalized on Hardik Pandya’s bowling in a productive over.
However, MI found success with spin as veteran Piyush Chawla dismissed Venkatesh after a fiery 42.
Despite early trouble against Chawla, Andre Russell unleashed his hitting prowess.
Rana’s innings was cut short by a direct hit from Tilak Varma after scoring 33.
Rinku cameo takes KKR to par score
Death overs (13-16) – 41/2 (RR: 10.25, 4s/6s: 1/3)
Rinku Singh showcased aggressive intent early on, hitting a six off his second ball faced.
He continued his onslaught with another six off Pandya before falling to Bumrah.
Despite MI’s tight bowling in the death overs, Ramandeep Singh’s late flourish helped KKR reach 157.
Mumbai Indians struggle in chase after Kishan’s flying start
Power Play (1-5) – 59/0 (RR: 11.8, 4s/6s: 6/3)
Rohit Sharma’s fluent start was marred by a slow finish, but Ishan Kishan’s aggressive batting propelled MI to 59/0 in the powerplay.
Spin twins take over
Middle overs (6-12) – 33/4 (RR: 4.71, 4s: 3)
KKR’s introduction of spin slowed down MI’s run rate.
Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine dismissed key batsmen, including Kishan and Rohit, to put MI under pressure.
Varma, Dhir cameos not enough
Death overs (13-16) – 47/4 (RR: 11.75, 4s/6s: 3/3)
MI’s hopes dwindled as they needed 66 runs off the last four overs.
Despite brief cameos from Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir, KKR’s Nitish Rana took crucial wickets to seal their spot in the playoffs.
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