RR vs KKR: Rajasthan seal playoff spot with 9-run win over Kolkata

A blistering century by opener Shane Watson and some quality bowling helped Rajasthan Royals (RR) secure a place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs with a nine-run victory in Mumbai on Saturday over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) whose chances now seem very slim.

IPL MATCH CENTRE

Rajasthan-Royals-RR-players-celebrate-after-taking-the-wicket-of-a-Kolkata-Knight-Riders-KKR-batsman-during-their-IPL-2015-match-in-Mumbai-on-May-16-Pratham-Gokhale-HT-Photo

_________________________________________________________________________

A blistering century by opener Shane Watson and some quality bowling helped Rajasthan Royals (RR) secure a place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs with a nine-run victory in Mumbai on Saturday over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) whose chances now seem very slim.

Watson rose to the occasion in the Royals' must-win match to remain unbeaten at 104 off 59 balls, plundering nine fours and five sixes to help the home side post a challenging 199/6. In reply, Kolkata fought till the end but fell short of the target, managing 190/9 in 20 overs.

With the win, Rajasthan entered the IPL 2015 playoffs climbing from the sixth to the second spot with 16 points from 14 games.

Kolkata's chances of making it to the playoffs look very tough as they have secured 15 points from 14 games.