KKR eliminate Rajasthan

Kolkata Knight Riders moved into the Second Qualifier of the Indian Premier League after a 25-run win against Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata yesterday.

Despite some early blows, the hosts posted a challenging total of 169 for the loss of seven wickets, thanks to some late power-hitting from skipper Dinesh Karthik and all-rounder Andre Russell. Karthik resurrected the faltering KKR ship with a 38-ball 52 before Russel provided the late flurry with an unbeaten 49 off just 24 deliveries, the knock punctuated with five sixes and three fours.

Rajasthan Royals, in their reply, could only manage 144 runs despite losing only four wickets. Skipper Ajinkiya Rahane's 41-ball 46 and Sanju Samson's 38-ball 50 were not enough against the imposing target.

Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Second Qualifier at the same venue on Friday.

SCORES IN BRIEF

Kolkata Knight Riders: 169 for 7 in 20 overs (Karthik 52, Russel 49 not out; Gowtham 2-15)

Rajasthan Royals: 144 for 4 in 20 overs (Rahane 46, Samson 50; Chawla 2-24)

Result: Kolkata Knight Riders won by 25 runs