KKR edge closer to playoffs with easy win against Rajasthan Royals

Kolkata, May 16 - Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) sharpened their chances of a playoff berth with a convincing six-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) clash at the Eden Gardens here on Tuesday.

Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav (4/20) starred for the two-time champions as Royals were bowled out for 142 in 19 overs despite an early blitz from the visiting team openers. Chasing a modest target, KKR rode Chris Lynn's 45 (42b; 5x4, 1x6) and captain Dinesh Karthik's unbeaten 41 (31b, 4x5, 1x6) to ease past the line by posting 145/4 with two overs to spare.

The men in purple, thus, stretched their winning run to two games while Royals lost for the first time in four matches.

KKR (14 points from 13 games), who moved to third spot, will now need to win their last engagement with already-qualified Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 19 to secure a knockout slot.

Royals (fourth spot, 12 points from 13 games), meanwhile, will have to depend on other results and triumph against resurgent Royal Challengers Bangalore led by Virat Kohli the same day.

KKR showed their intent from the word go with Sunil Narine (7b; 21, 2x4, 2x6) taking off-spinner K. Gowtham for 21 runs that included 6-4-6-4 in the first four balls.

IPL 2018 Points Table

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