IPL 2020 – KKR v RR : Rajasthan Royals crumble in chase against Rajasthan Royals and fall short by 37 runs

IPL 2020 – KKR v RR : Rajasthan Royals crumble in chase against Rajasthan Royals and fall short by 37 runs
Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) inflicted the first defeat of the season on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Dubai in the Indian Premier League 2020 courtesy brisk batting and assured bowling.

All the KKR pacers came good for their side as the outfit comfortably defended a score of 174 to notch up their second victory of the tournament. The KKR pace trio of Pat Cummins, Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti came out all guns blazing in an attempt to stop the RR batsmen who prior to today’s match were looking unstoppable.

KKR pacers too good for RR

Shivam Mavi

Pat Cummins began the KKR onslaught in the second innings by troubling Steve Smith. He got his reward when Smith nicked one to wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik. Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler were also dismissed cheaply by Mavi. With Nagarkoti sending back Robin Uthappa and Riyan Parag, the RR tail was exposed early. For the tail including the likes of last match’s hero Rahul Tewatia, Tom Curran and Jofra Archer, the target proved to be too stiff as KKR kept chipping away with wickets thanks to some disciplined bowling.

RR could only reach 137-9 in the end. Tom Curran waged a lone battle for the Royals scoring an unbeaten half-century. RR fell short by 37 runs and in the process suffered their first defeat of the tournament.

Brisk batting takes KKR to 174-6

Shubman Gill

Earlier, having lost the toss and put in to bat, KKR lost Sunil Narine for just 15 runs. But his partner Shubman Gill stitched brisk partnerships with Nitish Rana and then Andre Russell. Following Gill’s dismissal for 47 and the losses of Russell and Dinesh Karthik, the experienced Eoin Morgan took KKR to a more than decent total of 174.

Jofra Archer was the star with ball for RR as he returned figures of 2-18. His fellow pacers Jaydev Unadkat, Ankit Rajpoot and Tom Curran chipped in with a wicket each. KKR’s score of 174 would ultimately prove to be enough.

Prior to today’s match, Rajasthan Royals were the only undefeated team in the tournament having won two on two. Following today’s crushing defeat, RR have dropped to 3rd place behind today’s victorious side KKR and Delhi Capitals who are on top.

Also Read: Kings XI Punjab v Mumbai Indians: Dream11 Prediction, Tips and Picks