Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane is taking his team forward in their second home game of the season. SRH won the toss and opted to bowl first. The Knight Riders are placed last on the points table heading into this game.
KKR lost Quinton de Kock (1 run off six balls) in the second over of the innings. Soon after, Sunil Narine (7 runs off 7 balls) also lost his wicket. The Knight Riders were down to 16/2 in the first three overs. The KKR openers have failed to give their team a consistent start in the first few games. Quinton de Kock registered his second low score since his unbeaten 97-run knock against RR.
Since then, Ajinkya Rahane (38 runs off 27 balls) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (43 runs off 26 balls) have taken the innings forward. At the end of the powerplay, KKR were 53/2 courtesy of a few big overs. The two right-handers made the best of the final two overs, scoring over 30 runs in the last two overs of the powerplay. The duo have added an unbeaten stand of 68 runs off 45 balls as well.
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KKR Lost Early Wickets Inside The Powerplay
SRH has given a debut to Sri Lankan all-rounder Kamindu Mendis. KKR, on the other hand, has replaced Moeen Ali with Spencer Johnson, adding a fair bit of batting depth. So far, the pacers have got both the wickets, with the spinners gradually getting into the game.
The Knight Riders were bowled out for just 116 runs in their previous match against the Mumbai Indians. They lost two quick wickets in this match as well. Going ahead in the remaining overs, the lower order has to take more responsibility and score the runs for the side.
KKR have already lost a game at home, and in order to remain in touch for the final four, they have to win their remaining six games at home, including this one.
There has been a lot of talk about the Eden pitch as well. Ajinkya Rahane was asked about it at the toss as well. The KKR skipper did speak about the home team getting a bit of support in terms of the pitch playing in home conditions.
"It will suit our spinners, at home, you should get what you want, but we'll need to assess the situation quickly with the bat. We sat together (after the last match), discussed how we can get better, but this is a long tournament and it was one bad day. Moeen Ali comes in place of Spencer Johnson. Regardless of all plans, we'll have to come out and do well in the middle" said Rahane.
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