Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opener Finn Allen etched his name into the record books on May 16, with a blistering 93-run knock against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Eden Gardens on may 16. Batting at a staggering strike rate of 265.71, the explosive opener dismantled the opposition bowling attack by smashing 4 fours and 10 towering sixes. With this feat, Allen achieved a unique milestone in IPL history, becoming the first-ever batsman to hit 10 or more sixes in a single innings twice in the same season.
Finn Allen hammers historic 35-ball 93
This incredible display of power-hitting marks a sensational turnaround for Allen, who had struggled to find his footing and put up big scores at the start of the tournament. His first explosive outing of the season came on May 8, when he cleared the boundaries 10 times during a match-winning, unbeaten century against the Delhi Capitals (DC). That spectacular hundred allowed KKR to effortlessly chase down a target of 143 in a mere 14.2 overs.
While Allen suffered a brief blip in the following fixture—departing for just 18 runs in a losing effort against RCB, he wasted no time in bouncing back. Returning to his destructive best against the Gujarat Titans, his 35-ball 93 provided the perfect launchpad for KKR, catapulting the team to a massive first-innings total of 247/2.
Ajinkya Rahane failed to make a significant impact at the top of the order, departing for a painstaking 14 runs off as many balls. Following his early dismissal, Finn Allen and Angkrish Raghuvanshi went all guns blazing. The duo shifted the momentum completely, obliterating Gujarat Titans' bowling attack to forge a blistering 95-run partnership for the second wicket off just 41 deliveries.
KKR post colossal 248-run total
The onslaught didn't stop there. Cameron Green joined Raghuvanshi in the middle and ensured the scoring rate remained astronomical, with the pair compounding GT's misery by putting on a spectacular 108-run stand off only 52 balls. Raghuvanshi anchored the backend of the innings beautifully to remain unbeaten on a brilliant 82 off 44 deliveries, while Green provided explosive support with a quick-fire 52 off just 28 balls.
ALSO READ: Will Suryakumar Yadav feature in KKR vs MI IPL 2026 clash? Here comes the big update
This high-stakes fixture is a must-win game for the Kolkata Knight Riders, who now need to successfully defend their massive target of 248 to keep their playoff hopes alive. Currently languishing in the 8th spot on the points table with 4 wins and 9 points from 11 games, the team has no margin for error.
A victory today will elevate KKR to the seventh position and keep them in the postseason conversation. Conversely, a defeat will mathematically end their campaign early for the second consecutive year. KKR can take some solace in knowing they aren't the first to falter, as powerhouse franchises Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have already been knocked out of IPL 2026, with both teams stuck at the bottom with 4 wins and 8 points each.