Kolkata Knight Riders register a stunning 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in match number 60 Indian Premier League 2026 season at Eden Gardens on 16 May. The high-scoring encounter saw several explosive batting performances as KKR produced one of their best totals of the campaign to keep their playoff hopes alive.
After being asked to bat first, KKR posted a strong score of 247/2 in the allotted 20 overs. Finn Allen set the stage brilliantly by playing a breathtaking innings of 93 runs in just 35 balls, hitting four fours and 10 sixes at an incredible strike rate. After his dismissal, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green took over the innings completely by making an unbeaten century partnership. Raghuvanshi remained unbeaten on 82 off 44 balls, while Green contributed an unbeaten 52 off 28 balls, helping the hosts easily cross the 240-run mark.
Chasing a big target, GT showed a lot of intent with the bat but failed to maintain the required pace throughout the innings. Sai Sudarshan, Jos Buttler and captain Shubman Gill all scored half-centuries to keep the visitors in the contest. Gill played an aggressive 85-run innings, while Buttler played a strong supporting role during their huge partnership for the third wicket. However, the target proved too difficult as GT eventually finished at 218/4 in their 20 overs.
With the ball, Sunil Narine once again performed well for KKR, returning figures of 2/29 and applying significant pressure during the middle overs. With this win, KKR moved up to seventh place in the points table with 11 points, while GT remained second with 16 points despite the loss.
talking points:
Finn Allen destroys GT bowling attack
KKR's explosive opener played a breathtaking inning of 93 runs in just 35 balls, hitting four fours and 10 sky-high sixes at an impressive strike rate of 265.71. After an aggressive start, Allen along with Angkrish Raghuvanshi performed brilliantly and put the Gujarat Titans bowlers under immense pressure. After the powerplay, the right-hander completely dominated the attack, leaving the visitors with no answer to his consistent strokeplay.
Shubman Gill chased the target with a fighting innings
Chasing a tough target of 248 runs, GT captain Shubman Gill led from the front by playing a brilliant inning of 85 runs in 49 balls. The stylish opener hit five fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 173.47, helping his team remain in the thick of the chase. Gill also stitched a century partnership with Jos Buttler, but despite his efforts, GT failed to score two crucial runs.
Sunil Narine bowled the match winning spell
While most of the bowlers struggled on the batting-friendly surface and conceded more than eight runs per over, veteran all-rounder Sunil Narine was brilliant in his historic 200th IPL appearance. The mystery spinner returned impressive figures of 2/29 from his four overs, removing key batsmen Shubman Gill and Nishant Sindhu to halt GT's momentum at crucial stages of the innings.
who said what?
Shubman Gill, Gujarat Titans (losing captain)
Looking at the wicket, 200-210 was the equal score but we dropped a lot of catches. The pitch was good, there was odd stopping but I thought we batted well to reach that score. No worries but our fielding could have been much better. We set a certain standard and had 3 players sent off – we didn't deserve to win this. Looked at this way, it is best to have this type of game now rather than in the qualifiers.
Ajinkya Rahane, Kolkata Knight Riders (winning captain)
Great game, really happy with the two points. It is wonderful to watch the innings of Allen, Angkrish and Green. The credit for this goes to these batsmen. The preparation has always been excellent. The conversation was about taking it one game at a time. The intent was amazing, don't forget they are a quality bowling attack, it was amazing to see the batsmen go out there and dominate. It's all about trusting their ability. All these guys are performing well in the domestic season. Saurabh Dubey performed well in Vidarbha League. When he came here, all the coaches thought he had talent. Credit to these guys who are doing well, working hard, it's all about belief and confidence. When you know that Sunil Narine is in the team, my job becomes easier. Varun was struggling but credit to him too. Courage to play with a sore foot.
Sunil Narine, Player of the Match
This comes from hard work. The guys have been training really well, working hard and it shows. Hopefully that continues, no matter what happens for us in the tournament. It's all about planning for what's in front of you. Every game brings a different challenge. It's all about trying to win scenarios and trying not to overthink. Being a senior and God has given me the talent and health to play 200, hopefully I will play more.
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