Kolkata Knight Riders finally were able to break free from their losing streak as they beat Mumbai Indians by 34 runs. The victory came after the Riders survived a destructive Hardik Pandya innings that had endangered their win. With this win, all teams are still in contention to make it to the playoffs.
After winning the toss, skipper Rohit Sharma elected to field first. KKR made some changes and began with an opening combination of Chris Lynn and Shubhman Gill who stitched together a partnership of 96 runs. Gill went on to score a crucial half century for his team followed by half century by Carribbean batsman Andre Russell who was adjudged Player of the Match.
After which, the Riders piled up a 233-run target for Mumbai Indians who were off to a drastic start as they lost both their openers by the end of the fourth over. Things looked bleak for Mumbai Indians and were sure to lose the match by a huge margin. However, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya entered the ground unwilling to give up so easily. With determination in his eyes, Pandya went on to notch 91 runs in mere 34 deliveries.
However, Kolkata made a late comeback in the game as they were able to dismiss Pandya in the 18th over. As Pandya's innings came to an end, so did Mumbai's chances to win the match.
Andre Russell was the top performer of his team after he scored a 40-ball 80 with bat and scalped two wickets with the ball.
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