Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), in a much important game, proved strong over the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as they beat the SRH by 22 runs in their last game of the tournament at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday.

Although KKR managed to score 171 for the loss of 6 wickets, they failed to score which was expected after the 87-runs stand by Manish Pandey (48 off 30) and Yusuf Pathan (52 off 34) as they were unable to capitalize on the platform set by the two brilliant batsmen.

The skipper Gautam Gamghir (16 off 15) tried to open well with his partner Robin Uthappa (25 of 17) but the duo could not held enough in the middle and the debacle began for KKR which was saved by the knocks from Pandey and Pathan.

From SRH, Kumar and Deepak Hooda took 2 wickets each with Barinder Sran and Mustafizur Rahman taking 1-1 wicket each.

In reply, SRH’s over dependence on the opening pair of the skipper David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan once again came on the cards as middle order again failed to take team to the shore. Despite the brilliant effort by Shikhar Dhawan scoring a half century, none of the Hyderabad batsmen could score the runs needed and SRH’s innings was thrashed brutally on 149 for 8.

Sunil Narine, coming back into the form bowled outstandingly by taking 3 important wickets and conceding on 26 in his full quota of 4 overs. Kuldeep Yadav, too took 2 wickets with Ankit Rajpoot and the all rounder Shakib Al Hasan taking 1 wicket each.

With the win, KKR are through to the playoffs and will now try their luck in the eliminator. Sunrisers Hyderabad, too will be going to the playoffs after the loss as they had already booked their seat in the top-four.

At last, it was a win-win situation in the match.

By Prajakt K.