IPL 2018, KKR vs RR: 4 reasons why Rajasthan lost against Kolkata
Kolkata Knight Riders hosted the Rajasthan Royals at the iconic Eden Gardens in a crunch game for both teams. Karthik won the toss and elected to field first. Tripathi and Buttler opened the batting for the Royals and gave the visitors a rollicking start as they raced to 50 runs inside 4 overs.
Karthik turned to Russell and the big Jamaican provided the much-needed breakthrough by getting rid of Tripathi. Rajasthan reached 68 for 1 at the end of the powerplay overs. Post the powerplay, Rahane fell to Kuldeep as KKR sensed a comeback.
Kuldeep got another one in the following over by getting the ever-so-consistent Buttler as KKR made a strong comeback. Wickets continued to tumble as the game changed drastically.
Rajasthan slipped from 63 for 0 to 107 for 7 and was in danger of being bowled out. Unadkat hit a few lusty blows towards the fag end but Kolkata kept their cool and knocked Rajasthan over for 142 in 19 overs.
Chasing 143, Narine gave the hosts the perfect start and plundered 21 runs off the very first over but fell in the following over. Uthappa walked in at number 3 and soon was sent packing to give the Royals some hope.
Rana and Lynn tried to build a partnership but against the run of play, Sodhi produced a good ball and dismissed Rana. Lynn and Karthik came together and stitched a fine partnership. Lynn tried to finish things off quickly but fell to a loose shot.
Karthik and Russell finished it off in the 18th over and ensured that there were no more hiccups. With this win, KKR inch closer to a playoff spot.
Let's take a look at the reasons behind Rajasthan Royals’ loss to Kolkata Knight Riders.
#1 Horrendous middle overs collapse
Rajasthan's ever-so-consistent opener Jos Buttler along with Tripathi gave the visitors a splendid start and raced to 63 inside 5 overs. At 68 for 1 after six overs, Rajasthan looked set for a 180+ score. But what unfolded was absolutely game-changing.
Post the powerplay overs, Rajasthan seemed to have hit a panic button and soon wickets fell in a heap. The middle overs, from overs 7 to 15 yielded only 50 runs but at the loss of six wickets as KKR clawed their way back.
Those middle overs came back to haunt the Royals as the Knights chased down the below-par score with ease and went one step closer to making it to the playoffs.