Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured their place in the IPL 2024 playoffs with a convincing 18-run victory over the Mumbai Indians on Sunday, May 11. with this KKR become the first team to qualify for the IPL 2024's playoffs. Chasing a target of 158 runs in a rain-affected 16-over match, the Mumbai Indians fell short, mustering only 139/8. The KKR bowling attack, led by the impressive Varun Chakravarthy and Andre Russell, stifled the Mumbai batsmen throughout the innings. Currently boasting nine wins and only three losses in their twelve matches, Shreyas Iyer-led KKR have amassed a total of 18 points, effectively guaranteeing their spot in the top-four. Meanwhile, the loss marked MI's ninth defeat in the ongoing season as they are reeling at 9th spot in the points table, having already eliminated from playoff race. With two matches remaining, a victory in either will guarantee them a top-two finish and a direct entry into Qualifier 1 - a significant advantage in the playoffs.
MI falter in chase
Mumbai Indians' chase started promisingly with openers Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan looking dangerous. Kishan, in particular, impressed with an aggressive 40 runs off just 22 balls. However, their momentum was short-lived. Both openers departed within eight overs, with Sharma continuing his struggles, dismissed for a meagre 19 runs.
Despite Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma continuing the chase, a batting collapse saw Mumbai crumble from 67/2 to 92/5 within a few overs. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Andre Russell (each taking two wickets), restricted Mumbai to a paltry 139/8.
Kolkata's convincing win not only secured their playoff spot but also fueled their ambition to reach the top two. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining their final position and playoff advantage.
KKR recover from disastrous start
Earlier, batting first KKR got off to a disastrous start. Losing their openers, Phil Salt (6) and Sunil Narine (0), within the first seven balls set the tone for a shaky batting performance. Nuwan Thushara deceived Salt with a slower ball after being clobbered for a first-ball six, while Jasprit Bumrah dismissed the dangerous Narine with a delivery that angled away before swinging back in to dismantle his off-stump. Even skipper Shreyas Iyer (7 off 10 balls) looked tentative and was bowled by Anshul Kamboj.
However, a fighting knock from Venkatesh Iyer (42 off 21 balls) revived KKR's innings. Despite battling a strained hamstring, Iyer launched a counter-attack, particularly punishing Bumrah for a six and two boundaries in a single over. Nitish Rana returning from an injury also chipped in with a valuable 33 off 23 balls, building a crucial partnership with Iyer before being run out.
Just as KKR seemed to be gaining momentum, Mumbai's bowling attack bounced back. Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla played a key role, dismissing both Iyer and the explosive Andre Russell (24 off 14 balls) to restrict KKR's final total. Bumrah also finished strong, dismissing Rinku Singh (20 off 12 balls) to cap off a splendid spell where he conceded only 39 runs in his four overs.
The sluggish wicket, which had been under covers for several days due to rain, didn't help KKR's batsmen. Despite the early setbacks, Iyer's valiant knock ensured KKR kept a decent run-rate, going into the powerplay (reduced to five overs due to rain) at 45/3. KKR will be hoping to build on this momentum in the second innings.
After KKR defeat, Hardik Pandya's MI will return home to face Lucknow Super Giants in their final league match on May 17 at the Wankhede Stadium. While their season may be over, they'll undoubtedly be aiming to end on a high note and salvage some pride.
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