KATHMANDU: Rajasthan Royals’ journey to the playoffs has ended after it faced a 60-run defeat at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders in an Indian Premier League (IPL) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Held in Dubai on Sunday night, Rajasthan could secure only 131 runs while it was chasing the 192-run target set by Kolkata losing nine wickets in the allotted 20 overs.
Rajasthan’s JC Buttler top-scored with 35 runs including four fours and one six off 22 balls. R Tewatia and S Gopal made 31 and 23 runs.
In reply, Kolkata’s PJ Cummins bagged highest four wickets while Shivam Mavi and CV Varun claimed two wickets each to limit Rajasthan to paltry 131 runs.
Earlier, invited to bat first after losing the toss, Kolkata notched up 191 runs losing seven wickets in the allotted 20 overs.
Kolkata’s captain EJG Morgan made highest 68 runs including five fours and six sixes off 35 balls and remained not out.
RA Tripathi and Shubman Gill secured 39 and 36 runs respectively.
Rajasthan’s R Tewatia and Kartik Tyagi took three and two wickets each of Kolkata respectively.
With this win, Kolkata climbed up the fourth position with 14 points from 14 games inching a litter closer towards the opportunity of play-offs.