The complexed batting-order made things slight problematic for Kolkata but they still pulled off a sensational comeback in Abu Dhabi to edge past Chennai in a thriller by 10 runs.
Toss: Kolkata opted to bat first
Team Changes: Karn Sharma replaces Piyush Chawla (Rajasthan)
Kolkata was unchanged
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Detailed Match Report
Kolkata introduced a new opening pair with Shubman Gill and Rahul Tripathi. The trauma continues for them as Gill went for 11 after 37-runs stand. Kolkata lost regular wickets in middle-overs but Rahul Tripathi played a sheet-anchor throughout the innings, scoring 81 off 51 balls. In last overs, Kolkata required big acceleration but they failed to do so and bowled out on 167. Apart from Deepak Chahar, all four bowlers produced good figures with good economy.
Chennai’s chase was steady and Mavi picked the first breakthrough for Kolkata to remove in-form Du Plessis. Watson and Rayudu almost took Chennai to a winning boat but Kolkata delivered a solid comeback in the game. In flag-overs, they controlled the run-rate and picked wickets on regular basis. Jadeja showed some spin with 8-balls 21 but it wasn’t enough. In middle, Nagarkoti, Chakravarthy and Narine put an excellent bowling display.
Star-performer of the match
Rahul Tripathi is our star performer of the match. Kolkata gave him a new role as an opener and he grabbed it both hands. Tripathi was the alone warrior against Chennai's bowling unit and scored vital 81 off 51 balls to take Kolkata towards a fighting total.
Top 5 players who made an impact in the game
Rahul Tripathi 81 (51)
Sam Curran 4-0-26-2
Karn Sharma 4-0-25-2
Shane Watson 50 (40)
Varun Chakravarthy 4-0-28-1
