KKR vs MI IPL 2026: KKR ask the right questions, in position to pounce after win achieves survival – Action in Images

Updated On May 21, 2026 01:02 am IST

KKR needed two points to stay alive, and their bowling kept MI in a chokehold to ensure they did just that with a four-wicket win.

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A win at the Eden Gardens was crucial for KKR, and they did so with confidence. Another day for the bowling to shine, clamping down before MI before a simple chase was seen through on a tricky pitch. KKR do the needful to stay alive in the playoff hunt.(REUTERS) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on May 21, 2026 01:02 am IST

A win at the Eden Gardens was crucial for KKR, and they did so with confidence. Another day for the bowling to shine, clamping down before MI before a simple chase was seen through on a tricky pitch. KKR do the needful to stay alive in the playoff hunt.(REUTERS)

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Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton combined for a 148-run stand agaisnt KKR last time out, but none of that this time – KKR dominated the powerplay, taking four wickets including both openers with some great catching.(ANI Pic Service) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on May 21, 2026 01:02 am IST

Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton combined for a 148-run stand agaisnt KKR last time out, but none of that this time – KKR dominated the powerplay, taking four wickets including both openers with some great catching.(ANI Pic Service)

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An hour-long rain delay stopped proceedings after the 8th over of MI's innings, with the team struggling. However, it wasn't likely to get much better.(PTI) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on May 21, 2026 01:02 am IST

An hour-long rain delay stopped proceedings after the 8th over of MI's innings, with the team struggling. However, it wasn't likely to get much better.(PTI)

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The scoreboard might only read one wicket, but 16 dot balls and only 13 runs conceded in 4 overs shows what a night Sunil Narine had. Finding plenty of purchase, he left Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya with no idea for long periods of time.(AP Photo/Bikas Das) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on May 21, 2026 01:02 am IST

The scoreboard might only read one wicket, but 16 dot balls and only 13 runs conceded in 4 overs shows what a night Sunil Narine had. Finding plenty of purchase, he left Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya with no idea for long periods of time.(AP Photo/Bikas Das)

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Tilak Varma struggled his way to 21(32), a poor innings where he never got off the ground. Hardik Pandya laid the groundwork for a counterattack, but was bowled by Narine, finishing on 26(27).(ANI Pic Service) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on May 21, 2026 01:02 am IST

Tilak Varma struggled his way to 21(32), a poor innings where he never got off the ground. Hardik Pandya laid the groundwork for a counterattack, but was bowled by Narine, finishing on 26(27).(ANI Pic Service)

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Corbin Bosch came in late to strike 32*(18), to give himself and his bowling colleagues something to defend with a target of 144. His fluent innings was followed by a couple of wickets plus a spectacular catch in the second innings.(AP Photo) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on May 21, 2026 01:02 am IST

Corbin Bosch came in late to strike 32*(18), to give himself and his bowling colleagues something to defend with a target of 144. His fluent innings was followed by a couple of wickets plus a spectacular catch in the second innings.(AP Photo)

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MI thought they had an early opening as they removed the red-hot Finn Allen in the very first over. Nonetheless, it was still KKR's powerplay early, as they ensured they didn't let any pressure settle.(PTI) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on May 21, 2026 01:02 am IST

MI thought they had an early opening as they removed the red-hot Finn Allen in the very first over. Nonetheless, it was still KKR's powerplay early, as they ensured they didn't let any pressure settle.(PTI)

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But despite a couple of wickets in quick succession, it was all the experience of Manish Pandey that came to the fore, as he stabilised with an innings of 45. Rovman Powell added some firepower too, and a couple of wickets didn't cause much damage as KKR won by 4 wickets, with relative ease.(ANI Pic Service) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on May 21, 2026 01:02 am IST

But despite a couple of wickets in quick succession, it was all the experience of Manish Pandey that came to the fore, as he stabilised with an innings of 45. Rovman Powell added some firepower too, and a couple of wickets didn't cause much damage as KKR won by 4 wickets, with relative ease.(ANI Pic Service)

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Kartikay Dutta

    Kartikay Dutta is a sports writer with the Hindustan Times Sports Desk, having joined in August 2024 to further his professional journey and pursue his long-standing ambition of working in sports media. With a strong interest in cricket, tennis, and football, Kartikay focuses on exploring the deeper layers of sport beyond the immediate action on the field. His work centres on producing insightful long-form and analytical pieces that examine the stories behind performances, teams, and tournaments. He is particularly interested in narratives that intersect with culture, history, and politics, helping readers understand how modern sport evolves within a broader social context. Before joining Hindustan Times, Kartikay worked with leading digital newsrooms in India, where he developed a strong foundation in data-driven storytelling. He is skilled at using statistics, records, and historical trends to uncover patterns and perspectives that add depth to match coverage and sports features. His approach combines research with narrative clarity, allowing complex sporting developments to be presented in an engaging and accessible manner. Kartikay also has a growing passion for multimedia storytelling. He actively explores how photographs, videos, and graphics can enhance sports journalism by illustrating not only what happens during competition but also the preparation, strategy, and operational dynamics behind the scenes. Through this evolving skill set, he aims to contribute to a more immersive and modern form of sports storytelling that connects audiences more closely with the games they follow.

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