Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have successfully restricted Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a modest total of 151/9 in 20 overs in Guwahati. KKR’s bowlers did an excellent job in slowing down the run rate after a strong start from the RR openers. To defend this total, RR will need a top-notch bowling performance to prevent KKR from sealing the win.
The match began with KKR winning the toss and opting to bowl first at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson gave RR a solid start before Vaibhav Arora dismissed Samson for 13(11). Local boy Riyan Parag joined the action, but his stay was short-lived as Varun Chakravarthy sent the Rajasthan skipper packing for 25(15).
Moeen Ali then followed up with the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal, dismissing him for 29(24). Chakravarthy struck again, removing Wanindu Hasaranga for a run-a-ball 4, and soon after, Moeen Ali matched his tally by cleaning up Nitish Rana for 8(9).
Rajasthan introduced Shubham Dubey as an Impact Substitute in place of Samson, but he was dismissed for 9(12) by Vaibhav. Meanwhile, KKR missed the services of Sunil Narine, who was ruled out due to illness, and Moeen Ali replaced him in the playing XI. Rajasthan brought in Hasaranga in place of Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Both teams are looking for their first win of the season. RR were humbled by Sunrisers Hyderabad in their opening match, which saw the opposition post the second-highest total in IPL history. Local boy Riyan Parag is leading the RR side in the absence of Samson, who is acting as an Impact Substitute due to a finger injury sustained during the England series.
For KKR, the middle order needs to shoulder more responsibility after failing to capitalize on a solid start provided by skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Narine in their previous match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). With Rinku Singh and Andre Russell failing to make an impact, KKR will be hoping their T20 specialists fire big against RR.
