IPL: Kolkata Knight Riders keep play-off hopes alive as Gujarat Titans edge Punjab Kings

KKR secured a seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial Sunday clash, powered by a decisive middle-over fightback and a composed chase.

Sunrisers opted to bat first and made an explosive start despite losing Abhishek Sharma for 15. Travis Head led the charge with a blistering 61 off just 28 balls, striking 9 fours and 3 sixes, while Ishan Kishan provided strong support with 42 off 29 (4 fours, 2 sixes). At 105 for 1 in the ninth over, Hyderabad looked set for a total well beyond 180.

The momentum shifted dramatically as KKRâ™s spinners took control. Varun Chakaravarthy was the standout, claiming 3 for 36, while Sunil Narine applied pressure with 2 for 31. From a dominant position, SRH collapsed, losing 9 wickets for just 60 runs to be bowled out for 165 in 19 overs.

In reply, KKR got off to a brisk start through Finn Allen, who struck 29 off 13 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes). Ajinkya Rahane then steadied the innings with 43 off 36 deliveries, sharing a crucial partnership with Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

Raghuvanshi anchored the chase superbly with 59 off 47 balls, hitting 5 fours and 2 sixes, ensuring the required rate never became an issue. After his dismissal, Rinku Singh finished the job in style with an unbeaten 22 off 11 (2 fours, 1 six), guiding KKR to 169 for 3 in 18.2 overs, alongside Cameron Green (3*).

The victory provides KKR with a vital boost in the standings, while Sunrisers Hyderabadâ”despite the loss ending their winning streakâ”remain well placed but will need to address their middle-order collapse going forward.

In the other tie on Sunday, the Gujarat Titans claimed a vital four-wicket win over table-toppers Punjab Kings in Match 46 of the TATA IPL 2026, prevailing in a low-scoring contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

A sharp bowling display, led by an incisive opening spell from Mohd. Siraj and a career-best four-wicket haul from Player of the Match Jason Holder, set up the result.

After winning the toss, GT captain Shubman Gill chose to bowl, and the decision paid off immediately on a lively surface. Siraj struck in the first over, dismissing Priyansh Arya with the second ball, caught by debutant Nishant Sindhu. He followed it up with another wicket next delivery, removing Cooper Connolly for a golden duck, leaving PBKS at 2 for 2.

Kagiso Rabada added to the early damage, bowling at speeds above 152 kmph and removing Prabhsimran Singh (15 off 14) in a maiden-wicket over during the Powerplay. Jason Holder then took control in the middle overs, dismissing skipper Shreyas Iyer (19) and breaking through the middle order as PBKS slipped to 47 for 5.

Suryansh Shedge led a recovery with a powerful 57 off 29 balls, his maiden IPL fifty, while Marcus Stoinis contributed 40 off 31. Their 79-run stand revived the innings, and a late 20 from Marco Jansen helped PBKS reach 163 for 9.

In reply, GT lost Gill early for 5, but Sai Sudharsan anchored the chase with a composed 57 off 41 balls, including five fours and a six. Jos Buttler added 26 off 22, sharing a 53-run partnership to steady the innings.

PBKS stayed in the contest through Arshdeep Singh (2 for 24) and Vijaykumar Vyshak (2 for 31), who struck at key moments to push the game into the final overs. With the pressure rising, Washington Sundar delivered a decisive 40 off 23 balls, hitting five fours and a six.

GT reached 167 for 6 in 19.5 overs to complete the chase and secure their third straight win.

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