Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batters on May 16 wreaked havoc at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. A total of 465 runs were scored in 40 overs with KKR winning the match by 29 runs to keep their campaign alive. But, in the run-fest, GT and KKR batters combined to achieve what no team has in 23 years of T20 cricket history. As many as six batters, three each from GT and KKR registered 50-plus scores. It is the first instance of six batters scoring fifty or more in a T20 encounter.
In the first innings, an in-form Finn Allen went berserk, scoring 93 runs from just 35 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and four sixes. Angkrish Raghuvanshi remained unbeaten for a 44-ball 82. The wicketkeeper-batter's knock was laced with seven sixes and four fours. Their Australian recruit Cameron Green scored 52 runs from 28 deliveries, featuring three fours and four sixes.
In reply, GT batters were up for the task. Shubman Gill scored 85 runs from 49 deliveries, including five fours and seven sixes. Wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler scored 57 runs from 35 balls, including five fours and a couple of sixes. Sai Sudharsan returned after walking off retired hurt. The opener remained unbeaten for 53 runs from 28 deliveries. The orange cap holder hit three sixes and six fours.
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Only 3 batters struggle in KKR vs GT
Among the two teams, GT's two batters — Nishant Sindhu and Rahul Tewatia registered single-digit scores. For KKR, their captain Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed cheaply for a run-a-ball 14.
GT, KKR alive in playoffs race
This was GT's fifth loss of the tournament. Despite the defeat, they stayed at the second place on the points table. Till now, none of the 10 teams have cemented their place in playoffs. GT have good chances of qualifying but they need a win at home against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to book a playoffs berth.
On the other hand, KKR went one place up to take the seventh spot. This was their fifth win from 12 games. They have 11 points with two more games left. The Rahane-led side will go up against Mumbai Indians (MI) in their next clash on May 20. Then, they face Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 24. They need to win both games to qualify for playoffs.