Follow UsRajasthan Royals (RR) were defeated in the Eden Gardens by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by just one run in an agonisingly close game that went till the last ball. RR skipper Riyan Parag smashed 95 off just 45 deliveries, which is his highest T20 score, but failed to secure a win for his team as he was dismissed in the 18th over.
RR were 72 for 5 at the end of eight overs, and it looked like the match was done and dusted. However, Parag played a special knock from there that included six consecutive sixes (across two overs) and put the pressure back on KKR to bring the equation down to 52 off 30 deliveries. However, Harshit Rana dismissed Hetmyer (29 off 23) in the 16th over, and then returned for his final over to get Parag caught at long-on and end RR’s hopes.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Parag regretted getting out at the wrong time.
“I was just too sad about myself getting out. Probably a miscalculation from my side, I should have finished it. I think we could have found better options in the last six overs,” Parag said after the loss.
“It's a ground where sixes are hit, so I knew I had my boundaries if I stayed. Wicket was gripping a little and I had to pick my battles, but I felt I could have finished it. You've got to be clinical, you've got to be perfect, and we weren't so the consequences are here."
Parag also credited Andre Russell for his quick-fire half-century that helped KKR put up a strong total on the board.
“We've got to give [Russell] credit because he came in, took his time. The way he accelerated was amazing to watch,” Parag said.
RR now have nine losses in 12 games, and their playoff chances are all lost.