IPL 11 | Match Recap: KKR Win Crucial Tie, Defeat KXIP by 31 Runs

Kolkata Knight Riders recorded this season’s highest total of 245, which is also KKR’s highest ever score in the IPL

A complete batting performance and god death bowling kept KKR in the hunt for play-offs.

(Photo Courtesy: BCCI)

Kolkata Knight riders managed to stay in contention for play-offs after registering a crucial 31-run victory over the Kings XI Punjab in a run-fest in Indore on Saturday.

In a batting avalanche, KKR posted massive 245/6 in their 20 overs. Sunil Narine (75) registered his highest IPL score while he gave KKR a dream start.

In the match, Kolkata gathered the early momentum, with Narine set the stage for a big score, his whirlwind innings studded with nine fours and four sixes. After his departure, a promoted Andre Russell kept the onslaught going. Along with Karthik, the duo took the bowlers to the cleaners in a 76-run fourth wicket partnership off just 31 balls.

Every batsmen from the Knight Riders’ camp contributed to the total, most noticeable ones being Karthik’s maiden half century of this edition of IPL and Andre Russell’s cameo of 31 runs.

The win at the Holkar Stadium saw Kolkata move to the fourth spot having 12 points from 12 matches. Kings XI remained third with 12 points from 11 games.

In reply, Kings XI scored at a healthy rate, but never really got on top of it as KKR bowlers managed to take wickets at regular interval.KL Rahul (66) made yet another half century, though in the losing cause, and late blasts from Aaron Finch (34) and Ravinchandran Ashwin (45) took them to a fighting 214/8.

Russell (3/41), who dismissed Chris Gayle (21) and Mayank Agarwal (0) in back to back deliveries, was the pick among the KKR bowlers. After his fireworks with the bat, Narine (1/44) got the precious wicket of Rahul.

The relatively smaller stadium saw a staggering number of 31 sixes hit by the two sides.

(With inputs from IANS)

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