Captain Morgan leaves it to gods

KKR need a favour from Mumbai to make it to playoff stage

KKR’s players celebrate after defeating RR on Sunday. PTI

Dubai, November 2

Kolkata Knight Riders captain smashed a 35-ball 68, led the team to victory over Rajasthan Royals, keeping alive the team’s hopes of making it to the playoff stage — and said it’s up to the gods now. KKR finished their league campaign with the big win on Sunday to get into the top-4 with 14 points. However, the team’s qualification to the playoffs hinges on Sunrisers Hyderabad losing their final league game to defending champions Mumbai Indians on Tuesday.

“Whatever happens from here is up to the gods,” Morgan said after the match. KKR’s net run rate (-0.214) is worse than SRH’s (+0.555). SRH are currently on 12 points from 13 games, and victory over Mumbai Indians would see them edge ahead of KKR. “Yes, I was aware of the numbers (about net run rate) but you need to first get yourself into a winning position. I don’t think we could have done anything more today,” Morgan said.

Morgan said his team’s huge total was a ‘par’ score. “I thought it was around a par score. Every batsman who came back in said it was a beautiful wicket with the dew in. We lost wickets between 10th and 15th overs, and to finish like we did was really good,” said Morgan.

“The impressive thing was our collective bowling. We were outstanding. Regardless of qualification, we feel we have given everything that we have,” said Morgan.

Early wickets

With Rajasthan Royals getting knocked out with this defeat, skipper Steve Smith said losing wickets in a heap upfront harmed their cause. “It was around a 180 wicket. There was a bit of dew. Losing four (wickets) in the Powerplay, it was always going to be tough from there,” said the Australian. “(Pat) Cummins bowled nice lengths, made us play some good shots. We got off to a flier, but then we lost wickets in a clump. Unfortunate way to end. We started off really well, won the last two before this one. In the middle we lost our way.”

Smith was not happy with his top-order batsmen. “Our batters, the top four or five didn’t take responsibility, perhaps. Couple of real positives. Jofra (Archer) has been exceptional pretty much every game,” he added. “(Rahul) Tewatia obviously has pulled a few out of the hat throughout the tournament. He has bowled exceptionally well throughout the tournament.” — PTI