KKR beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs to enter IPL playoffs
Kolkata Knight Riders clinched a spot in the IPL playoffs after securing an 18-run victory against Mumbai Indians in a rain-affected match on Saturday. With the game reduced to 16 overs per side due to rain delay, KKR batted first and posted a total of 157/7. Venkatesh Iyer played a crucial innings, scoring 42 runs off 21 balls, providing impetus to KKR's innings. Despite a strained hamstring, Iyer's aggressive approach lifted KKR after a shaky start.
Nitish Rana, returning after missing 11 matches due to injury, contributed with a quickfire 33 off 23 balls before being run out. However, Mumbai Indians fought back strongly with leg-spinner Piyush Chawla claiming two crucial wickets, including Iyer and Andre Russell.
Jasprit Bumrah also bowled well for MI, finishing with figures of 2/39 from his four overs, including the dismissal of Rinku Singh for 20 runs off 12 balls. Despite a challenging pitch, KKR struggled initially, losing openers Phil Salt and Sunil Narine early in the innings.
Batting first on a sticky wicket that had been under covers for three days due to persistent rain, KKR faced a tough start as their openers fell cheaply within seven balls. Nuwan Thushara and Jasprit Bumrah made early breakthroughs, dismissing Salt and Narine, respectively.
KKR captain Shreyas Iyer also had a shaky start, but he showed resilience after being hit on the heel by a throw. Despite the discomfort, Iyer played aggressively, hitting boundaries and a six off MI's top bowlers. His innings helped KKR maintain a high
