KKR win IPL thriller to put Capitals’ playoff chances in doubt

Kolkata Knight Riders beat Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, winning a close contest to put the host side’s IPL playoff hopes in danger.

DC came into the match as clear favorites on cricket betting sites but struggled to get on top of KKR with the ball.

Sunil Narine (27 from 16) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (26 from 12) gave the visitors a flying start in the powerplay, crushing 48 runs from the first three overs.

Even as consistent wickets fell over the next 17 overs, KKR kept a fierce pace with contributions from captain Ajinkya Rahane (26 from 14), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (44 from 32) and Rinku Singh (36 from 25) to set Delhi a target of 211 to win. 

In response, Kolkata’s spin combination of Varun Chakravarthy (2/39) and Narine (3/29) proved too much for DC’s batsmen to handle.

Vipraj Nigam (38 from 19), Axar Patel (43 from 23) and Faf du Plessis (62 from 45) kept DC in the hunt, but the hosts ultimately fell just short.

With 25 needed off the final over, Andre Russell stepped up to the plate and conceded just 1/10, closing out the 14-run victory.

Captain Ajinkya Rahane lauded Narine’s allround effort after the match.

“Sunil bowled well, with good support from Russell and Roy,” Rahane said.

“When Sunil came in to bowl and picked up two wickets, and they lost three wickets in the middle, I thought that was the game for us.

“He has been doing well for us, thought let’s back him.

“He’s been a champion bowler for this franchise — a match-winner. 

“As a captain, good to have him and Varun. 

“Narine has been coming early for the practice sessions, working hard, batting as well.”

IPL bookmaker Nags.bet has shortened KKR’s odds of winning the title to +4000, with DC’s price lengthening to +900

Mumbai Indians (+187) still head the betting across top cricket bookies, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (+275) and Gujarat Titans (+450) also well supported.

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