KKR beat Rajasthan Royals by eight wickets
Guwahati, Mar 26 (PTI): Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders rode on Quinton de Kock's classy 97 not out to cruise to a eight-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in an IPL match here on Wednesday.
Having lost to RCB in the tournament opener, KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane read the track perfectly and his bowlers led by spin twins Varun Chakravarthy (2/17 in 4 overs) and Moeen Ali (2/23 in 4 overs) made full use of conditions to restrict Royals to 151 for 9.
Only Shimron Hetmyer crossed 30-run mark, scoring 33 off 28 balls.
The chase could have been a tricky one but de Kock's 61-ball knock made it a cakewalk as target of 152 was completed in 17.3 overs. He added 83 runs for the third wicket stand with Angkrish Raghuvanshi (22 not out off 17 balls). De Kock's innings had eight fours and six sixes.
Brief Scores:
RR 151/9 (Shimron Hetmyer 33, Varun Chakrvarthy 2/17, Moeen Ali 2/23).
KKR 153/2 in 17.3 overs (Quinton de Kock 97 not out).
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
