Quinton's 97* guides KKR to easy win

No Sunil Narine, no problem. Now, when was the last time Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) said that?

- Dhiman Sarkar

GUWAHATI: To be able to live without the man who creates mayhem with the bat and mystery with the ball was as important for the defending champions as the eight-wicket win here, their first of the campaign.

And it was two retirees who helped them do that. Moeen Ali with the ball, forging a partnership with Varun Chakravarthy that derailed the Rajasthan Royals (RR) innings before Quinton de Kock showed there is life in the man who has won successive IPL titles and has two centuries in the competition. De Kock had one plan of attack—attack. His unbeaten 97 (4x8; 6x6) ensured that the modest target of 152 was reached in 17.3 overs.

On a wicket difficult for batters, De Kock picked up the length quickly and produced an array of shots. Such as a pull off Riyan Parag, a straight drive to Wanindu Hasaranga, a pulled four and a six over fine leg off successive Jofra Archer deliveries before sealing it with a six in the same over.