Whirlwind Allen, Raghuvanshi Power KKR To 29-Run Win Over GT To Stay In Playoff Race

Finn Allen’s explosive 93 off 35 balls and Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s unbeaten 82 powered Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a crucial 29-run win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in an IPL match at Eden Gardens on Saturday, keeping their slender playoff hopes alive .

Asked to bat on a surface that had remained under covers due to rain, KKR made full use of favourable batting conditions. Allen led the charge with fearless strokeplay, helping KKR race past the 100-run mark inside nine overs. He survived early chances, including a dropped catch, before punishing the GT bowlers with a series of boundaries and towering sixes.

Allen’s assault was particularly severe on Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj , as he brought up a rapid fifty and went on to register a 35-ball 93. Ajinkya Rahane struggled for timing and was dismissed for 14 off 14 balls, but KKR’s momentum remained unaffected.

After Allen’s dismissal, Raghuvanshi anchored the innings superbly , combining stability with controlled aggression. He later accelerated in the death overs, ensuring KKR maintained a relentless scoring rate. He was well supported by Cameron Green (52 not out off 28 balls) as the duo added a blistering 108 runs off just 53 balls , lifting KKR to a season-best 247 for 2 .

In reply, Gujarat Titans mounted a strong chase despite an early setback when Sai Sudharsan retired hurt after being struck on the elbow, though he later returned. Skipper Shubman Gill (85 off 49 balls) and Jos Buttler (57 off 35 balls) kept GT in the hunt with a fluent 128-run stand for the second wicket , showcasing clean hitting and excellent rotation of strike.

Gill played a commanding knock with five fours and seven sixes before being dismissed by Sunil Narine in a crucial breakthrough moment. Buttler continued the fight, reaching his fifty in style, but his dismissal in the 19th over effectively ended GT’s chances.

Sudharsan contributed a late unbeaten 53, but the required rate proved too steep as GT finished at 218 for 4 , falling short by 29 runs.

With this win, KKR moved to 11 points from 12 matches , staying alive in the playoff race but needing to win both remaining fixtures. GT, despite the defeat, remained second on the table with 16 points and a game in hand, having already secured a playoff berth.

KKR’s disciplined finish with the ball ensured they held their nerve under pressure and closed out a vital home victory.