It was another close finish as Lucknow Super Giants ended Kolkata Knight Riders’ campaign by 2 runs.
Lucknow Super Giants won the toss and decided to bat first.
Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul just smashed all the KKR bowlers around the park and LSG did not lose a single wicket in the first innings at Navi Mumbai.
Quinton scored 140* while Rahul scored 68* and LSG ended up with a huge score of 210 for no loss in their 20 overs.
Kolkata Knight Riders needed 211 to win and remain alive in the playoffs.
It was a rocky start for the KKR batters as both Venkatesh Iyer and Abhijeet Tomar were out rather quickly.
Nitish Rana and Shreyas Iyer backed KKR up with 42 and 50 runs respectively.
After Rana, it was Sam Billings who made 36 off 24 balls that brought Kolkata close to winning the match.
Rinku Singh smashed a quickfire 40 runs which brought the margin even close to a win and a shot for making in the playoffs.
But some superb last-minute bowling from Marcus Stoinis brought the game instantly back for Lucknow Super Giants.
Kolkata Knight Riders wrapped up at 208/8 in their 20 overs.
Player of the Match
Quinton de Kock for his 140* (70)
Post Match Reactions
Shreyas Iyer, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper, said that they are not sad at all and it was the best game that they have played so far in this season. Was all praises for Rinku Singh and said he is one of the best finds for them this IPL season. Added that Rinku was very much upset after the game. Mentioned that it was a volatile season for them and he developed a good relationship with Brendon McCullum. Also said that due to niggles, they had to keep chopping out players and bringing in changes for them. Mentioned that the wicket was dry and he didn’t think that it would play this way. Ended by saying that Brendon’s aura is excellent and he treats every player equally.
KL Rahul, Lucknow Super Giants captain, said that he is happy with the overall performance of the team. Added that they could have lost the game had the bowlers not executed their plans well. Praised Stoinis for bowling the last over really well. Also gave credit to both the sides for making out an excellent game of cricket. Smiled and said that he was just a spectator in the last three overs of the first innings while Quinton took charge and it was a great inning from him. Mentioned that they have missed some games like this one. Also praised Mohsin Khan for bowling cleverly in the second innings and using his variations well. Ended by saying that Mohsin will soon don the India jersey.
