KKR Smash Record Total to End GT’s Winning Streak at Eden Gardens

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders produced a breathtaking batting display to overpower Gujarat Titans by 29 runs at Eden Gardens, posting the highest total ever scored against GT in IPL history.

Powered by a stunning assault from Finn Allen and unbeaten half-centuries from Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green, KKR piled up a massive 247 for 2 after being asked to bat first.

GT, who had entered the contest on the back of five consecutive victories, found themselves overwhelmed on a batting-friendly surface that neutralised their bowling strengths. Their fielding struggles only added to the misery, with four catches going down during KKR’s innings, including two crucial chances off Allen.

Allen’s explosive knock completely shifted the momentum in KKR’s favour. The aggressive opener hammered 93 off just 35 deliveries, clearing the ropes 10 times in one of the most destructive innings of the season. After his dismissal, Raghuvanshi and Green ensured there was no slowdown, stitching together an unbeaten partnership that carried KKR to a daunting total.

Raghuvanshi remained unbeaten on 82, while Green smashed 52 not out, finishing the innings in style and leaving GT with a chase far beyond anything they had previously achieved. Before this game, GT’s highest successful chase in the IPL stood at 204.

GT responded with intent and raced to 42 without loss inside three overs, largely thanks to an aggressive start from Sai Sudharsan. However, the left-hander suffered a blow to the elbow and was forced to retire hurt temporarily, disrupting the momentum of the chase.

Captain Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler attempted to keep GT alive with a 128-run partnership for the third wicket. Gill scored 85 while Buttler contributed 57, but the required run rate continued to spiral out of control.

Sai Sudharsan returned in the 17th over and remained unbeaten on 53, but by then the equation had become nearly impossible, with GT still needing 71 runs from 22 deliveries. KKR spinner Sunil Narine also played a key role with the ball, finishing with figures of 2 for 29.

One notable concern for KKR came late in the evening when Matheesha Pathirana, making his first appearance of the season, walked off the field with a hamstring injury after bowling only 1.2 overs.

The emphatic victory not only revived KKR’s campaign but also showcased the destructive power of their revamped batting unit, with Allen’s fireworks providing Eden Gardens one of its most memorable nights this season.