LAKR 130/10 in 19.1 Overs (Andre Russell 35(21); Rashid Khan 3/22 in 4 overs) lost to MINY 134/6 in (Kieron Pollard 33*(12); Sunil Narine 2/24 in 4 overs) by 4 wickets
LAKR clashed against MINY in their final game of the league stage. This marked to be an extremely crucial fixture for both the teams with playoffs qualification on the line. LAKR aimed to put on a strong performance and book their spot in the playoffs. After being put into bat first, LAKR looked to start aggressively and take the charge to the bowlers. However, they lost a few quick wickets and it put them on the back foot in the innings. Jason Roy and Nitish Kumar tried to stabilize the innings by stitching partnerships however, wickets at regular intervals hampered the cause. LAKR kept fighting despite the tough conditions, and looked to reach a fighting total. Andre Russell stepped up in the final phase of the innings to provide the impetus to the LAKR innings in the back end. His crucial knock of 35 off just 21 balls helped LAKR reach a total of 130 and provided them a fighting chance. The onus was now upon the bowlers to defend this score in order to help LAKR pick up the important victory.
LAKR started the defense of a low total with bowling accurate lines and kept it tight right from the start. As it has been all tournament long, Spencer Johnson yet again provided a crucial first breakthrough for LAKR. Soon after, Corne Dry joined the party with another wicket as LAKR applied pressure. Skipper Sunil Narine also joined the wicket taking party as LAKR applied a firm hold on the game and reduced MINY to 91/5. LAKR bowlers looked to continue the disciplined bowling and look to seal the game for their team, however an astonishing cameo from Kieron Pollard turned it all around for MINY. They reached the target in overs and qualified for the playoffs. LAKR fought right till the end and made it extremely difficult for MINY. Despite the defeat, the Knight Riders would be extremely proud of their efforts and would look to take the learnings from this season forward.
