Quinton de Kock, spinners star in KKR’s win

After a loss in their opening game, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hit the straps with a comfortable eight-wicket victory against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their IPL match played in Guwahati.
KKR’s spinners, despite the absence of Sunil Narine, did a fine job as they restricted RR to 151/9. Quinton de Kock then powered the reply with an unbeaten 97 off 61, which included eight fours and six sixes, as KKR cantered to the target in 17.3 overs. On a wicket assisting the spinners, KKR used spin for seven out of the nine overs in this period, with Moeen Ali, replacing an unwell Sunil Narine, and Varun Chakaravarthy hampering RR’s progress.
Between them, they conceded just a six and a four while picking up four wickets, as RR managed only 56/5 in this phase, with only 22 runs in boundaries.
In contrast, de Kock paced his innings well, chose his shots wisely and ensured KKR did not fall behind in the middle overs even though spin was used predominantly by RR as well.