Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane gave credit to the bowlers after they registered an eight-wicket win against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Wednesday. After electing to bowl first, KKR were able to restrict RR to 151-9.

Moeen Ali, who was playing his first match of the season, accounted for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana and conceded only 23 runs in his spell. Furthermore, Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Wanindu Hasaranga and Riyan Parag and returned with figures of 2-17 in his quota of four overs. 

Moreover, Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora bagged two wickets apiece for KKR. RR batters got off to starts but they could not convert them into substantial scores.

Ajinkya Rahane said in the post-match presentation, “Firstly, we bowled really well in the first six overs. The middle overs were crucial too – the way the spinners controlled things. Moeen got his opportunity and he bowled really well. This is a format where we want players to play fearlessly, we want to give them freedom.”

Praising his bowlers, particularly Moeen Ali, Rahane said, “Credit goes to our bowling unit too who were always looking to pick wickets, especially Moeen. Not much, complete freedom from our side. Moeen is a quality player who has opened in the past. He couldn’t get going with the bat, but very happy with what he did with the ball. The challenge is to stay in the moment, and every game is an opportunity to learn.”

On the other hand, Quinton de Kock scored a match-winning knock of 97 runs off 61 balls with the help of eight fours and six sixes. Thus, he was awarded Player of the Match.

Kolkata Knight Riders will next take on Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Monday.