KKR springs a surprise on Royals

Our Correspondent

Match 12 at Dubai cricket stadium on September 30 saw Kolkata Knight Riders beat Rajasthan Royals by 37 runs. This was KKR’s second win in the season while Royals tasted their first loss.

RR captain Steve Smith won the toss and sent Dinesh Karthik’s KKR to bat. Vice-captain Eoin Morgan took KKR to 174/6 in 20 overs. He remained unbeaten on 34. Opener Shubman Gill made 47 off 34 balls and Andre Russel 24.

English pacer Jofra Archer was the most successful RR bowler, taking two wickets while conceding only 18 runs.

Steve Smith was dismissed by KKR Pat Cummins early on in 175-run chase. Tom Curran’s half century was not enough to see the Royals through. RR were restricted to 137/9 in 20 overs.

Youngster Shivam Mavi who dismissed the in-form Sanju Samson and the dangerous Jos Buttler won the Player of the match for his tight spell (2/20).