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    Fans erupt as clinical KKR edge past Mumbai Indians to keep playoff hops alive in IPL 2026

    kumbhorgBy No Comments6 Mins Read
    Fans erupt as clinical KKR edge past Mumbai Indians to keep playoff hops alive in IPL 2026

    Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) kept their playoff hopes alive with a crucial four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 65 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at Eden Gardens. Chasing a target of 148, KKR produced a composed batting effort and reached the total in 18.5 overs to bag two important points.

    KKR bowlers restrict Mumbai Indians to 147

    After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Kolkata Knight Riders made an excellent start with the ball. Ryan Rickelton was dismissed for just six runs, while Rohit Sharma’s promising innings was cut short after he smashed two sixes during his 15-run knock. Cameron Green grabbed attention with a sensational running catch to remove Rohit and give KKR early control.

    Mumbai Indians suffered another setback when Naman Dhir departed without scoring. Suryakumar Yadav tried to shift momentum with an explosive 15 off just six balls that included two fours and a six, but his stay at the crease was brief.

    Hardik Pandya and Corbin Bosch provide late resistance

    With wickets falling regularly, Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya attempted to rebuild the innings. Tilak struggled to accelerate during his 20 off 32 deliveries, while Hardik contributed 26 runs from 27 balls with the help of two boundaries and a six.

    The biggest boost for Mumbai came from Corbin Bosch, who played a counter-attacking cameo lower down the order. Bosch smashed 32 runs off just 18 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes, helping Mumbai Indians post 147/8 at the end of 20 overs. Deepak Chahar also added a useful 10-run contribution towards the end.

    Cameron Green and Sunil Narine shine with the ball

    KKR’s bowling attack delivered a disciplined performance throughout the innings. Green impressed against his former side with figures of 2/23, while Saurabh Dubey also picked up two wickets. Kartik Tyagi chipped in with a couple of scalps, and Sunil Narine once again showcased his control by conceding only 13 runs in his four-over spell while taking one wicket. Varun Chakaravarthy kept things tight in the middle overs despite going wicketless.

    Manish Pandey anchors the chase for KKR

    KKR began positively in the chase as Ajinkya Rahane and Finn Allen attacked early. Allen struck two boundaries in his quick eight-run cameo before Chahar dismissed him. Rahane looked in fine touch during his 21-run innings that featured four boundaries. The experienced Manish Pandey then took charge of the chase. Batting with composure, Pandey scored a fluent 45 off 33 balls and kept the innings under control despite occasional wickets at the other end.

    Rovman Powell played the perfect supporting role and accelerated at the right moment for the hosts. The West Indies batter smashed 40 runs off 30 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes to put KKR firmly in command.

    Bosch tried to pull Mumbai Indians back into the contest with a brilliant three-wicket spell, dismissing both Pandey and Powell. However, Rinku Singh’s quick cameo and calm finishing touches from Tejasvi Dahiya and Anukul Roy ensured Kolkata crossed the finish line with seven balls remaining.

    Also WATCH: Cameron Green grabs a splendid running catch to dismiss Rohit Sharma in KKR vs MI IPL 2026 clash

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    Also READ: IPL 2026: Sunil Gavaskar’s on-air remark on Akash Singh sparks debate during RR vs LSG clash

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