KKR vs RR: Kolkata’s losing streak ended, with a win after losing five consecutive matches. Kolkata Knight Riders ended their losing streak on Monday and defeated Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets. Kolkata got its first victory after losing five matches continuously. With this win, Kolkata keeps the hopes of making the playoffs alive.
Kolkata won the toss and bowling first restricted the Rajasthan team to 152 runs for five wickets. It is the second-lowest score of Rajasthan this season. Earlier, Rajasthan had scored 144 for eight wickets against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the match played on 26 April. Kolkata won the match by scoring 158 for 3 in 19.1 overs. With this victory, the Kolkata Knight Riders team has reached number 7 in the points table. Kolkata has 8 points in 10 matches with four wins. It is the fourth loss for Rajasthan Royals. Rajasthan Royals is at number three in the points table and has 12 points.
The amazing pairing of Rana and Rinku Singh
Nitish Rana and Rinku Singh made a partnership of 67 runs in 6.2 overs for KKR to chase the target and fetch victory for the team. Nitish Rana scored 48 off 37 balls, and Rinku Singh played an unbeaten inning of 42 runs in 23 balls. Rana hit three fours and two sixes, while Rinku hit six fours and one six. Kolkata captain Shreyas Iyer could not play a big inning and returned to the pavilion after scoring 34 runs in 32 balls.
Sanju crossed 50 for the second time this season
Captain Sanju Samson played a brilliant inning of 54 runs in 49 balls for Rajasthan. But he could not make the team win. During this, he hit seven fours and a six. It is the second half-century of Sanju Samson this season. At the same time, he scored the 17th half-century in his IPL career. Apart from Samson, West Indies’ explosive batsman Shimron Hetmyer played an unbeaten inning of 27 runs in 13 balls. He hit one four and two sixes. At the same time, Tim Southee took the maximum of 2 wickets from Kolkata.
Captaincy in IPL: Dhoni surpasses Dravid to become the oldest captain
With Chennai Super Kings taking over again, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has become the oldest player to captain in the IPL. Dhoni captained the team against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday after the departure of Ravindra Jadeja at the age of 40 years 298 days. With this, he broke the record of former Rajasthan captain Rahul Dravid (40 years 268 days).
Match Preview: Gujarat overshadows Punjab
For the playoffs, Punjab needs to win at any cost. Punjab Kings, struggling for a place in the playoffs, will face Gujarat Titans on Tuesday. Who is riding on the victorious chariot by registering consecutive victories. Punjab has won four out of 9 matches, and their hope of reaching the last four is still intact. But to defeat the strong team of Gujarat, Punjab has to put more efforts.
Captain Mayank Agarwal’s poor form: The biggest concern for Punjab is the poor form of captain and opener Mayank Agarwal. Mayank could only score 161 runs in eight matches with a half-century. Mayank’s dismissal gives the opposition bowlers a chance to dominate