Knights win a heart-stopper

Russell storm, Rahane's tactics help KKR trump Parag-led RR by 1 run to keep playoff hopes alive

- ARINDAM BASU

KOLKATA: T20 games are made for photo-finishes and heart-stoppers.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) dished one up right there with the hosts winning by one solitary run at Eden Gardens in an afternoon match.

Now on 11 points, KKR's table position looks a lot healthier, while RR will go back to the drawing board for the next season.

KKR won the toss and elected to bat on a dry pitch that looked full of runs. But they never thought making 206 for four, would barely be enough in the face of a brave RR chase who finished on 205 for 8. The cliffhanger first. Rajasthan Royals needed 25 off the last three overs after Riyan Parag threatened to finish the game early. The Parag dream ended in the fourth ball of the 18th over. He nailed one wide slower ball, but the fact that he dragged it from so far meant he sent it straight down the throat of Vaibhav Arora of Harshit Rana. Gone for 95 off 45 and KKR got a foot on the bus to victory. Andre Russell, who showed his powers with the bat, came to bowl the penultimate over.