With the support of their passionate fans, KKR aims to dethrone Rajasthan and claim the top spot on the points table
The upcoming match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the historic Eden Gardens on April 16 is generating significant excitement among cricket fans. The top two teams battle for supremacy in match no. 31 of the IPL. With Rajasthan currently leading the table and Kolkata close behind in second place, the stakes are high for both sides.
In their previous encounters, Kolkata and Rajasthan have engaged in fierce battles, with KKR holding a slight edge. Out of the 28 matches they've played against each other in the IPL, Kolkata has emerged victorious 14 times, while Rajasthan has secured wins on 13 occasions. One match ended without a result, highlighting the closely contested nature of their rivalry.
Kolkata enjoys the advantage of playing on their home ground, Eden Gardens. They will look to capitalise on their familiarity with the conditions and secure their fifth win of the tournament. With the support of their passionate fans, KKR aims to dethrone Rajasthan and claim the top spot on the points table.
Let's rewind and revisit the top four clashes between these cricketing giants, where thrilling encounters and memorable performances have defined their rivalry.
Yusuf Pathan's stunning innings, comprising seven fours and four sixes, was instrumental in Rajasthan Royals' thrilling victory
After both teams had scored 150 runs in their allotted 20 overs, the match ended in a tie, setting the stage for the first-ever Super Over in IPL history at Newlands. With Yusuf Pathan's outstanding performance, RR secured a nerve-wracking victory in a tense Super Over. Pathan's explosive batting of 42 runs in just 21 balls and crafty bowling turned the game in Rajasthan's favour. In comparison, Sourav Ganguly's heroic innings of 46 runs off 30 balls almost led Kolkata to a remarkable chase.
In the Super Over, KKR set a target of 16 runs, with Chris Gayle showcasing his power-hitting prowess by smashing three boundaries. However, RR's Yusuf Pathan rose to the occasion and delivered a blistering performance, striking the required 16 runs in just four balls against the bowling of Ajantha Mendis.
KKR and RR tied the game at the end of regular play and Super Over in another thrilling encounter. However, the Royals secured the victory due to hitting more boundaries during the match. Both teams scored 152 in their allotted 20 overs. RR scored 152 for five, with Rahane contributing 72 runs. KKR matched their total with 152 for eight, led by Gambhir's 45 runs despite Faulkner's impressive 3-11.
Suryakumar Yadav and Shakib Al Hasan's brief cameos had put Knight Riders in a strong position, adding 49 runs in 26 balls. To set up a tense finish, Faulkner's return to form proved decisive as he claimed crucial wickets in the 19th over, including Robin Uthappa and Vinay Kumar. During the subsequent Super Over, both teams scored 11 runs each, resulting in another tie.
Varun Chakravarthy ended Jos Buttler's counter-attack with a crucial wicket during the match
KKR posted a commanding total of 191/7 in their 20 overs at Dubai. In response, RR struggled in their innings, managing only 131/9, resulting in a 60-run victory for KKR. Shubman Gill top-scored with 36 runs off 24 balls, while Captain Eoin Morgan played a captain's knock, remaining unbeaten on 68 runs off 35 deliveries, smashing five fours and six sixes. Andre Russell contributed a quickfire 25 runs off 11 balls.
In reply, RR struggled to build partnerships and lost wickets at regular intervals. Jos Buttler was the top-scorer for RR, scoring 35 runs off 22 balls, while Tewatia contributed 31 runs off 27 balls. Cummins delivered a brilliant performance with the ball, taking four wickets for 34 runs in his four overs, while Shivam Mavi and Varun Chakravarthy also contributed with two wickets each.
Lockie Ferguson made a triumphant return from injury, showcasing his bowling prowess with figures of 3/18
In a thrilling encounter at Sharjah, KKR secured a commanding victory over Rajasthan Royals by 86 runs. Shivam Shubman Gill's composed innings of 56 runs off 44 deliveries provided a solid foundation for KKR's innings. Venkatesh Iyer contributed 38 runs, while Rahul Tripathi's 21 runs in 14 balls and skipper Eoin Morgan's 13 runs played valuable cameos to guide KKR to a total of 171.
RR struggled against KKR's bowling attack, with Shivam Mavi, Lockie Ferguson, and Varun Chakravarthy wreaking havoc on their batting lineup. RR scored only 85 runs before being bowled out in 16.1 overs. Mavi emerged as the star performer for KKR, claiming four wickets for 21 runs in his spell, earning him the Player of the Match award.
