INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE | CONNOLLY BECAME YOUNGEST OVERSEAS IPL CENTURION WITH 107* VS SRH
MATCH TODAY – RCB VS PBKS AT 3:30 PM | DC VS RR AT 7:30 PM
Kolkata, May 16: Kolkata Knight Riders kept their IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive with a commanding 29-run victory over Gujarat Titans after a breathtaking batting display powered by Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green at Eden Gardens on Saturday.
Asked to bat first on a surface that had remained under covers following rain, KKR unleashed a relentless assault to post a daunting 247 for two — their highest total of the season.
Allen led the carnage with a sensational 93 off just 35 balls, smashing 10 sixes and four boundaries in a breathtaking innings that completely dismantled the GT bowling attack.The explosive New Zealand opener was handed two early reprieves and Gujarat paid a heavy price for their sloppy fielding. Allen was first dropped on 14 when Jason Holder could only get fingertips to a sharp chance off Mohammed Siraj. He received another life on 33 after Siraj spilled a straightforward catch at long-on.From there, Allen shifted into top gear. He tore into Kagiso Rabada with successive sixes and later welcomed Rashid Khan with two maximums and a boundary as he stormed to a 21-ball half-century.
His brutal hitting ensured KKR raced to 100 inside nine overs.While Allen dominated the attack, Raghuvanshi played the perfect supporting role before accelerating brilliantly after the opener’s dismissal. The young batter remained unbeaten on 82 off 44 deliveries, anchoring the innings with maturity and flair.KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane endured a scratchy outing, scoring 14 before Siraj cleaned him up, but Gujarat failed to capitalise as Raghuvanshi and Green stitched together an unbeaten 108-run partnership for the third wicket in just 53 balls.
Green hammered an unbeaten 52 and ensured there was no respite for Gujarat in the death overs. GT’s fielding woes continued as Washington Sundar dropped Raghuvanshi on 52, while Arshad Khan spilled a chance offered by Green on 23.Chasing a massive target, Gujarat Titans fought hard through skipper Shubman Gill, who struck a fluent 85 off 49 balls, and Jos Buttler, who added a quickfire 57 off 35 deliveries.
Opener Sai Sudharsan retired hurt briefly before returning to score an unbeaten 53 off 28 balls.However, the steep asking rate proved too much despite their spirited effort. Veteran spinner Sunil Narine starred with the ball for KKR, picking up two wickets for 29 runs, while Saurabh Dubey chipped in with one scalp.The victory provided a timely boost for KKR in their must-win encounter and also highlighted the cost of missed chances for Gujarat Titans, whose sloppy effort in the field ultimately proved decisive in a high-scoring thriller at Eden Gardens.For Kolkata Knight Riders, this was not merely a victory but a statement that their campaign is far from over. After struggling for consistency through large parts of the season, KKR finally clicked as a complete unit, producing an explosive batting effort backed by disciplined bowling under pressure. Allen’s fearless assault gave the innings early momentum, while Raghuvanshi once again showcased why he is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the tournament with an innings that combined composure and aggression in equal measure. (Agencies)
BRIEF SCORES
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
