Hello Kolkata & goodbye MI

Knights Thrash Royals By 86 Runs

- Archiman Bhaduri

Kolkata Knight Riders broke three hearts at one go. A handsome 86-run victory against Rajasthan Royals in their last league match in Sharjah on Thursday not only almost cemented their place as the fourth side in the playoffs, but also knocked off Punjab Kings and Royals at the same time.

It’s almost curtains for the Mumbai Indians too as the net run rate (NRR) needed for them to deny Knights the place in the last-four stage, will now require some superhuman effort.

KKR openers Shubman Gill and Venkatesh Iyer gave a sedate but steady start after RR skipper Sanju Samson won the toss and put the rivals in. The youngsters built up the innings almost brick by brick on a slow and low wicket where stroke-making was difficult.