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KKR Crush Gujarat Titans by 29 Runs as Finn Allen’s Blazing 93 Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

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Kolkata, May 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders kept their IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive with a spectacular 29-run victory over table-toppers Gujarat Titans in a high-scoring contest at Eden Gardens on Saturday. The win not only halted Gujarat’s five-match unbeaten streak but also pushed Kolkata back into contention in the race for the playoffs.

Powered by a destructive 93 from Finn Allen and brilliant unbeaten knocks from Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green, KKR piled up a massive 247/2 in 20 overs. Gujarat Titans responded with a brave chase led by skipper Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, but eventually fell short at 218/4.

Allen’s Explosive Knock Sets the Tone

After being asked to bat first, Kolkata Knight Riders started aggressively. Captain Ajinkya Rahane struck an early six and looked positive before Mohammed Siraj dismissed him for 14.

From there, Finn Allen completely took over the game. The New Zealand batter unleashed one of the most explosive innings of the season, hammering Gujarat bowlers all around the park. Allen attacked from the first over itself, smashing Kagiso Rabada and Siraj for boundaries and towering sixes.

GT’s sloppy fielding made matters worse. Allen was dropped twice — first on 14 and later on 33 — and he made the Titans pay heavily for those mistakes. He raced to a half-century in just 21 balls and continued his brutal assault against Rashid Khan and Arshad Khan.

One over from Arshad disappeared for three huge sixes as Allen entertained the packed Eden Gardens crowd with fearless strokeplay. He eventually fell for a sensational 93 off just 35 deliveries, an innings decorated with four boundaries and ten sixes at a staggering strike rate of over 265.

Though he missed a deserved century, Allen had already put KKR in complete control of the contest.

Raghuvanshi and Green Punish GT Further

Young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi then carried forward the momentum with maturity and flair. Mixing innovation with power-hitting, the youngster reached his fifty confidently before accelerating further in the death overs.

Raghuvanshi remained unbeaten on 82 off 44 balls, registering the highest score of his IPL career. His innings included four fours and seven sixes and showcased excellent temperament under pressure.

He received outstanding support from Cameron Green, who played a powerful unbeaten knock of 52 off just 28 deliveries. The Australian all-rounder used his height and reach effectively to dispatch boundaries with ease.

Together, Raghuvanshi and Green stitched an unbeaten 108-run partnership for the third wicket, completely dominating Gujarat’s bowlers in the final overs.

Green smashed Rashid Khan for a straight six before attacking Rabada and Siraj with aggressive pulls and drives. He reached his fifty in only 26 balls and ensured KKR finished with one of the biggest totals of IPL 2026.

Gujarat Start Fearless Chase

Chasing 248 was always going to require a fearless approach, and Gujarat Titans showed exactly that. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill launched an aggressive start, adding 42 runs inside the first three overs.

However, Sudharsan suffered a painful blow to his elbow and was forced to retire hurt temporarily. Despite that setback, Gill continued to dominate the KKR attack with sublime timing and clean hitting.

Gill looked in complete control as he smashed seven sixes and five fours during his magnificent 85 off 49 balls. He attacked Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy and Anukul Roy confidently, keeping Gujarat alive in the contest.

Jos Buttler joined the chase with equal intent. The England batter played some classy shots square of the wicket and rotated strike smartly while allowing Gill to attack freely. Buttler eventually reached a composed half-century off 35 deliveries.

At 177/1 after 16 overs, Gujarat Titans looked capable of completing one of the greatest chases of the season. They needed 71 runs from the final four overs with two set batters at the crease.

Narine Changes the Match

Just when the momentum appeared to be shifting decisively towards Gujarat, veteran spinner Sunil Narine produced the breakthrough KKR desperately needed.

Gill attempted a sweep shot but found Anukul Roy near the boundary ropes. The dismissal changed the complexion of the game instantly.

Buttler attempted to keep the chase alive with aggressive boundaries but was caught at long-off while trying to accelerate further against Saurabh Dubey.

Sai Sudharsan returned to bat and fought till the end, scoring an unbeaten 53 off 28 balls despite his earlier injury. However, the target had become too steep by then.

KKR bowlers held their nerve brilliantly in the death overs. Narine was especially impressive, finishing with figures of 2/29 in his four overs. His control and experience proved decisive at the crucial stage of the match.

Cameron Green eventually sealed the victory by dismissing Rahul Tewatia in the final over, triggering celebrations among the Kolkata players and supporters.

Playoff Race Gets Tighter

The victory lifted Kolkata Knight Riders to sixth position in the IPL standings and kept their playoff hopes alive. They are now only two points behind fourth-placed Punjab Kings.

For Gujarat Titans, the defeat ended a five-match winning streak but they remain among the strongest contenders this season despite the loss.