Kolkata ends Rajasthan’s confidence in the Wednesday encounter of Indian T20 League after a clinical bowling display and the poor batting show from their opponent. In Dubai, they tested Sharjah's heroes and Rajasthan failed in batting department to see the first loss of the season.
Toss: Rajasthan opted to bowl first
Changes: Both sides are unchanged
Steve Smith won the important toss and decided to bowl first as Rajasthan pulled off a great chase in their previous game. Jofra Archer started with heavy bullets in first over with average speed of 149 KPH. Gill and Narine added 35 runs and Narine got out early on just 15. Rana showed good skills with Gill to take Kolkata towards a good start but Tewatia broke the stand by removing Rana. Kolkata made a smart move by promoting Russell at number 4 but in next 2overs, they lost Gill and Karthik to Jofra Archer who was exceptional with the ball. Archer conceded only 18 runs in his 4-overs spell and scalped four wickets. Russell hit some tough shots and he was looking dangerous. Ankit Rajpoot picked him before creating any damage and Kolkata went in trouble with 115/5. Last match’s hero Morgan took the charge with Cummins to take Kolkata to an imposing total of 174. Morgan remained not out on 34 off 23 balls.
In the chase, Kolkata started with the spin through Narine but Cummins gave the first breakthrough to take Smith’s wicket and Mavi gave a huge blow to Rajasthan with the wicket of in-form Sanju Samson. In powerplay, they scored 39 runs and lost their key players Smith and Samson. Butler who looked in good touch, got out off the very first ball after the powerplay to leave Rajasthan in deep trouble. Senior batsmen Uthappa played a bad shot and went for just 2 to give Kolkata an early smell of the victory. The regular wickets hurt Rajasthan and Kolkata managed to win their second straight game of the season. The defeat in Dubai left a series of questions in Rajasthan camp as they bundled out on a challenging track.
Star Performer of the match
Morgan is our star performer of the match with guiding Kolkata to an imposing total of 174. When Kolkata was struggling at 116/5, he put some runs with a gritty knock of 34 off 23 balls.
