Kolkata eye win against SRH to seal playoffs spot
HYDERABAD: The IPL finds itself in a familiar spot as the business end approaches. Four matches remain in the league stage and yet the four teams for playoffs have not been finalised, just like in previous editions.
Run rates will make the difference as five teams eye a final dash for the last two playoff spots available. Kolkata Knight Riders, however, have a chance to steer clear of the pack with a win against Sunrisers Hyderabad here on Saturday.
Currently on 14 points from 13 matches, the Dinesh Karthik-led KKR can seal the third spot, or even the second, with a win. The task is easier said than done against SRH, who have lost just one match at home this season (against Chennai Super Kings) and have already sealed a top-two spot.
Armed with IPL 2018’s best bowling line-up, the Kane Williamson-led SRH have been the side to beat this edition. The Kiwi batsman has led by example, scoring eight half-centuries in 13 games. Going into their last match, KKR could not have expected a tougher opponent.
KKR too have a leader who prefers action over words. Karthik is the team’s top-scorer with a tally of 412, while the likes of Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa and Nitish Rana are yet to show consistency.
However, KKR’s win over Rajasthan Royals in their previous game indicated that they are trying hard to tide over the issues. As Sunil Narine got out after yet another blinder, Lynn showed
maturity in curbing instincts and led KKR’s chase. Karthik pitched in once more while Rana and Andre Russell played their part.
The biggest gain for KKR, however, was Kuldeep Yadav’s fourwicket haul. All his wickets were between overs seven and 14. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here has seen SRH consistently dent their rivals in those overs, with Rashid Khan being the wrecker-in-chief.
The competition between the two spinners may very well add spice to the contest.