IPL 2018: KKR register convincing win over KXIP to stay in hunt for playoffs

Kolkata Knight Riders registerd a convincing victory over Kings XI Punjab after beating them by 31 runs at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Saturday. With this win KKR are in contention for a play-off berth in the Indian Premier League. On a batting belter, KKR posted a mammoth 245 for 6, their highest ever total and fourth-highest in the history of the league. Sunil Narine, who has been stunning as an opener, once again left everyone spellbound with a 36-ball-75 while skipper Dinesh Karthik played an equally significant role with his 23-ball-50. The chase was always out of question and KL Rahul tried his bit with a 28-ball-66, which wasn't enough as KXIP could only manage 214 for 8 in 20 overs. (Source: BCCI)

R Ashwin, captain of the Kings XI Punjab won the toss against KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik in match 44 of the Indian Premier League 2018. Ashwin opted to bowl first and the decision backfired massively as KKR raced past 200. (Source: BCCI)

Mujeeb Zadran of the Kings XI Punjab had to get medical assistance during the match after being hit by a shot by KKR opener Sunil Narine. (Source: BCCI)

Prithi Narayanan wife of R Ashwin was present at the Indian Premier League match between the Kings XI Punjab and the Kolkata Knight Riders held at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. (Source: BCCI)

Preity Zinta, owner of Kings XI Punjab was present at the Indian Premier League match between the Kings XI Punjab and the Kolkata Knight Riders held at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. (Source: BCCI)

Hazel Keech, wife of Yuvraj Singh was also spotted at the Indian Premier League match between the Kings XI Punjab and the Kolkata Knight Riders held at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. (Source: BCCI)

After a brisk start, KKR were 130 for 3 at that stage but skipper Karthik in company of Andre Russell (31 off 14 balls) took the KXIP attack to the cleaners. Karthik hit five boundaries and three sixes while Russell had three maximums apart from a couple of fours. They added 76 runs in 5.1 overs to take the total past 200-run mark. (Source: BCCI)

KXIP began the chase with aplomb. But Chris Gayle (21 off 17 balls) couldn't play an impactful innings being dismissed by Russell. Mayank Agarwal's technique against genuine quick bowling has always been susceptible and a short delivery from Russell (3/41 in 4 overs (Source: BCCI)

Once KL Rahul was bowled by Narine in a freakish manner, the match as a contest was over although Aaron Finch (34 off 20 balls), Axar Patel (19) and skipper Ashwin (45) did contribute a few runs. (Source: BCCI)