KKR make playoffs
KKR make playoffs
They made it a bit tedious there at the end by taking it to the final over, but KKR were never going to lose this. The visitors were ahead in the chase right from the moment when Narine belted Sandeep for 20 in that second over. Lynn took over after his opening partner's departure and scored a pretty comforting half-century which put Kolkata right on course. Uthappa's timing was on point as well, making sure that the pressure never got to them.
Talking about Sunrisers though, these recent performances with the ball must really be of great concern. They were thought to be unshakeable as a unit. Well that reputation's certainly taken a bit of a beating. Will it affect their confidence going into the playoffs? At least they have the luxury of having two cracks at it. So that's it for today. See you'll tomorrow - the final day of the league stages.
Uthappa gone
Pity he couldn't finish the job himself, but his dismissal is totally consistent with the kind of season he's had. He's looked a million bucks in many of his knocks, but has thrown the majority of them away. This time he top-edges a short ball from Brathwaite for the keeper to snaffle. Shouldn't matter a great deal. KKR need only 18 runs at a run-a-ball.
That should be the match
Robin Uthappa carts Rashid Khan for a huge six to follow a powerful boundary down the ground. He's brought the equation down to 26 needed in four overs.
Lynn gets fifty and gets out!
Finally the breakthrough for the Sunrisers, as Lynn miscues one to long-on. Pandey does well while skirting along the ropes, takes the catch and lobs it up inside the field of play to set up the self-relay while encroaching the boundary. But is it too late? KKR need just 54 off 41, and Uthappa has found his timing as well.
A concern echoed by many:
Prelude
Half an hour to go for the toss in Hyderabad. But the KKR players will have an ear on what's happening at the SMS in Jaipur. As it stands, RCB are having one of their famed end-season meltdowns. That makes things a little better for DK & Co. They'll still want to play to win so that they seal the deal while they are in control of their fortunes.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are assured of a top-two spot but will want to wrap up the league phase with a win. Momentum is everything at this stage. They'll also want to say bye to their home fans (for the season) on a happy note!
Welcome to Match 54 of the IPL. Just 6 more games left after this! Promise.