KKR vs MI | Twitter reacts to Knight Riders’ clinical bowling beating Mumbai and storming to the playoffs

SportsCafe Desk

BySportsCafe Desk, SportsCafe Editor

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Kolkata Knight Riders became the first team to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoff as they beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs. Chasing 158 runs, the visitors lost quick wickets and couldn't manage to build stable partnerships as Kolkata showcased some great bowling ultimately winning their last home game.

‌In the first run-curtailed game this season, the atmosphere at Eden Gardens was electric as the game commenced at 9:15 pm, with the overs reduced to 16 per side. Mumbai Indians' captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that paid off handsomely for the visiting team. The formidable opening duo of Phil Salt and Sunil Narine failed to make an impact, both departing during the powerplay. However, Venkatesh Iyer provided stability alongside Shreyas Iyer, forging a 30-run partnership that propelled the score to 40/2 after four overs. Nevertheless, concerns lingered for the home team when Iyer fell in the fifth over to Anshul Kamboj, followed by Venkatesh's swift departure in the ninth over after a brisk 42 off 21 deliveries. Meanwhile, Nitish Rana and Andre Russell guided the Kolkata batting line-up to 106/4 in 11 overs, constructing a vital 29-run collaboration. As the duo was all set to pave the way for the home side for a big total, Mumbai showed some great fielding and bowling dismissing the duo. Additionally, Rinku Singh’s quick cameo of 20 runs off 12 deliveries came to an end with Bumrah dismissing the southpaw in the 16th over. Nonetheless, Ramandeep Singh's brisk innings of 17 runs off eight deliveries propelled the Knight Riders to a respectable total of 157/7 within their allotted 16 overs.

Mumbai Indians began strongly with openers Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan putting up a formidable 59/0 by the end of the powerplay. However, their momentum waned as both fell victim to KKR’s spin duo, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy. With Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav at the crease, Mumbai stood at 81/2 after 10 overs. Despite the pressure of needing 77 runs from the last six overs, attention turned to the Surya-Tilak partnership to steer the innings. Unfortunately, the task became tougher as Surya and Hardik Pandya departed in quick succession in the 11th and 12th overs, leaving the visitors at 91/4. With Tim David joining Tilak, the visitors required 66 runs from the final four overs, hoping for some explosive batting. However, as David fell in the 13th over, all hopes rested on Tilak to conjure a remarkable performance and salvage some dignity for their team. The stage was set as 41 runs were required off the last two overs with Tilak and Naman Dhir in the crease. Additionally, Naman smacked 19 runs off the 15th over off Andre Russel and brought the target to 22 runs off the last over. Unfortunately, the Punjab all-rounder departed in the last over and worry continued as Tilak too made his way to the dugout. Ultimately, Mumbai lost the contest by 18 runs while Kolkata became the first team to qualify for the playoffs securing 18 points. 

Into the playoffs

Not a good day

Never match

Finished!

Team Mumbai

Slow pitch

Need a comeback

The commentary

Rain gone

BIg plans

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