Kolkata registered a gigantic run win against Rajasthan in the last match of their league stage campaign. Pat Cummins and Eoin Morgan shined as the brightest stars of the game, laying the foundation of victory for Kolkata. Putting up a massive target of 192 runs, Kolkata announced right from the beginning that they were there to win.
Toss: Rajasthan opted to bowl first
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Detailed Match Report
Despite starting the campaign on a strong note, Rajasthan had to end the tournament as the last placed on the points table after dealing with the major loss against Kolkata. Rajasthan chose to start the game by fielding first in a bid to build pressure on the opponents; however, the decision seemed to backfire as Kolkata finished their inning by putting up a total of 191 runs on the board. A defendable target that led Kolkata to the 4th spot on the points table, keeping it still in the race for play-offs.
Shubham Gill and Rahul Tripathi were the strongest among Kolkata's top-order. Opener Nitish Rana got out on the second ball of the inning, walking back to the pavilion with a duck. Gill and Tripathi took charge of Kolkata's inning, contributing a crucial total of 72 runs before Rahul Tewatia dismissed Shubham Gill while the latter tried to hit Tewatia for a six. Sunil Narine became the next victim of Tewatia terrific bowling, going off for no runs. The responsibility of keeping things up fell on Tripathi & Morgan's shoulders who could manage to pull-off a partnership of just 20 runs. Morgan played a much-needed knock of 68 off 35 comprising of five boundaries and 6 sixes. Andre Russel Pat Cummins contributed 25 & 15 runs, respectively to help Kolkata finish at 191.
Considering their previous games & chases, Rajasthan thought of 192 to be an achievable total but destiny had something else in store for the Smith-led team. Losing 5 wickets in the first 5 overs of the match, the team succumbed to pressure. Jos Butler & Rahul Tewatia did try to take charge of things but failed to manage bowling attacks from Varun Chakravarthy and walked back to the pavilion with scores of 35 & 31 runs respectively. With their return, the hopes of Rajasthan's return in the game faded too. Shreyas Gopal made his share of efforts but nothing was sufficient to help the team and the Rajasthan managed just 131 runs at the end of 20 overs to hand Kolkata a 60-run victory & ender the league stage chapter with a defeat.
Star Player of the Match
Pat Cummins. The right-arm fast bowler scripted victory for Kolkata. His efficiency with the ball got him 3 crucial wickets of Rajasthan within the first 3 overs of the game, building pressure on the chasing team.
Players who made an Impact in the Game
Pat Cummins: 4-0-34-4 & 15 (11)
Eoin Morgan: 68 (35)
Rahul Tewatia: 4-0-25-3 & 31 (27)
Jos Butler: 35 (22)
Rahul Tripathi: 39 (34)
