Kolkata Knight Riders‘ hopes of defending their Indian Premier League (IPL) title have taken a major hit after a slender two-wicket loss to Chennai Tremendous Kings at Eden Gardens. It marked CSK’s first profitable chase of 180+ in over 5 years, their final coming in 2019. The win additionally snapped a four-match shedding streak and handed them simply their third win in a disappointing season.
Noor Ahmad’s brilliance and CSK’s nerve maintain agency
Put into bat, KKR appeared set for an enormous complete, particularly after Andre Russell’s late blitz. However Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad turned the tide with a intelligent 4/31, dismantling the center order and curbing momentum. KKR ultimately settled for 179, a aggressive however chaseable rating on a real Eden floor.
CSK’s response started shakily, shedding three wickets contained in the Powerplay. However Dewald Brevis counterattacked with a blistering 25-ball 52, respiration life into the innings. Shivam Dube then performed the anchor’s position, guiding CSK by the tough center overs. With strain mounting and the sport going to the wire, MS Dhoni calmly sealed the match with a six off the fourth ball of the ultimate over, guaranteeing CSK crossed the end line with two wickets and two balls to spare.
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KKR’s qualification situation for the IPL 2025 Playoffs
In the meantime, that defeat, in opposition to a group already eradicated from playoff rivalry, leaves KKR with simply 11 factors from 12 video games, inserting them in a precarious place with solely two matches remaining within the group stage.
With simply 11 factors from 12 matches, KKR have solely two video games remaining, each on the highway, in opposition to Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Even when they win each and find yourself with 15 factors, qualification is much from assured. Presently, Gujarat Titans and RCB already sit on 16 factors, and Punjab Kings are at 15 with three video games nonetheless to play. For KKR to qualify, a extremely particular sequence of outcomes must unfold:
- KKR should win each remaining matches, reaching 15 factors.
- Mumbai Indians should lose their last two matches and keep at 14.
- Amongst GT, RCB and PBKS, at the least one group should falter considerably.
- Delhi Capitals, who’re additionally chasing qualification, should not surpass KKR’s factors or NRR.
On this occasion, KKR may find yourself tied with PBKS and DC on 15 factors, making internet run price (at present a low 0.193) the deciding issue for the ultimate playoff berth. In brief, KKR have to win out and hope for a near-miracle collapse from at the least two contenders, together with MI.
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