Kolkata Knight Riders edged out Rajasthan Royals by a single run in a nail-biting finish. KKR posted 206 on the board, but RR fell short, managing 205 in 20 overs. Riyan Parag’s 95-run knock wasn’t enough to seal the win for his team, but it kept KKR’s playoff hopes alive.
Rajasthan got off to a shaky start, losing two quick wickets. Young Vaibhav Suryavanshi was dismissed for 4, while debutant Kunal Singh Rathore was caught for a duck. Yashasvi Jaiswal provided some resistance, scoring 34 off 21 balls before being dismissed. Dhruv Jurel and Wanindu Hasaranga also struggled to make an impact, and RR were reeling at 71/5. Parag steadied the ship, forging a crucial 92-run partnership with Shimron Hetmyer. Hetmyer contributed 29 off 23 balls before being dismissed.
Parag’s innings was a highlight, as he smashed 95 off 45 balls, including 6 fours and 8 sixes. He reached his fifty in 27 balls and shared a thrilling 32-run over with Hetmyer. However, his efforts were ultimately in vain as Harshit Rana got him out for 95, sparking a KKR resurgence.
With 33 runs needed off the last two overs, RR’s task seemed daunting, especially after Parag’s dismissal. Andre Russell conceded 11 runs in the 19th over, leaving RR requiring 22 runs off six balls. On the final ball, RR needed three runs but could only manage one, handing KKR a thrilling one-run win.
Key Moments
- Riyan Parag’s 95-run knock kept RR in the hunt.
- Shimron Hetmyer’s 29 off 23 balls supported Parag’s efforts.
- Harshit Rana’s crucial dismissal of Parag turned the tide.
- Andre Russell’s 19th over restricted RR’s scoring.
KKR’s win kept their playoff aspirations alive, while RR were left to ponder what could have been.