Venkatesh Iyer, Raghuvanshi help KKR survive scare; 201 runs target for Sunrisers Hyderabad

KOLKATA: The clash between the finalists of the last IPL season saw Kolkata setting up a target of 201 runs against Hyderabad. Batting first, Kolkata scored 200 runs for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs, thanks to half-centuries from captain Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Venkatesh Iyer. KKR's dream of an ideal start got hit yet again as the opening batting lineup stumbled in Eden Gardens.

Openers Quinton de Kock was the first to be dismissed for 1(6). With the team's score at 14, de Kock returned after being caught by Zeeshan Ansari off a delivery by Pat Cummins. Sunil Narine, who continues his poor batting form, was caught by wicketkeeper Heintich Klaasen off Mohammed Shami for 7(7). Captain Ajinkya Rahane's 38 (27) and Ankrish Raghuvanshi's 50 (32) partnership for the third wicket helped the team recover from their initial slump. The duo put on 81 runs in partnership.

Venkatesh Iyer, who came to the crease fifth, was dismissed for 60 runs off 29 balls. His innings included seven fours and three sixes. Rinku Singh remained unbeaten on 32* (17), while Andre Russell was run out on the last ball for 1 (2). Mohammed Shami, Pat Cummins, Zeeshan Ansari, Harshal Patel and Kamindu Mendis took one wicket each for Hyderabad.