After delivering a match-winning century for Kolkata Knight Riders, opener Finn Allen said the knock felt like a reward for backing himself and trusting the process. The Kiwi batter revealed that being left out for a few games gave him a different perspective, and that the plan was simple—get enough time at the crease to build a big score. Against Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Allen produced his most dangerous form, smashing an unbeaten 100 off 47 balls to steer KKR past a 143-run target with ease, while handing the hosts their fifth consecutive home defeat. KKR’s momentum has kept them firmly in the playoff race, even after an early six-match stretch that saw them go winless.
Allen’s century and the mindset shift
Allen’s road to this performance had plenty of setbacks. He had to miss three matches, with Tim Seifert getting the nod as the Kiwi teammate featured during his absence. Before this turnaround, Allen’s most recent outing had been a 29 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, but he stepped up when it mattered most in Delhi.
Speaking after the match, Allen focused on broadening his batting options while also emphasising responsibility after early wickets. He explained how he approached the innings and why staying at the crease for long spells was key to getting the score where it needed to be.
- He said he has been working to develop “more strings” in his batting and to be more accountable after early dismissals.
- Allen described the early phase as challenging, with Axar Patel bowling early and forcing a careful start.
- His approach was to settle into a strong position and bat deep, aiming for long time at the crease.
- He noted that getting starts but not converting them has been frustrating, making the personal success meaningful.
- Allen added that once the situation demands it, he tries to focus on the match context rather than only his own batting.
- He felt that if he stayed out long enough—around 40 balls, which doesn’t come often—he would score enough.
- He also credited being dropped for changing his perspective and providing a mental reset.
Delhi Capitals’ innings: pressure built early, end-overs pushed
KKR won the toss and chose to field first, and the decision paid off in phases. The Capitals were anchored by a productive partnership before momentum swung towards KKR’s bowlers.
Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul combined for a 49-run stand, with Nissanka reaching 50 off 29 balls, striking five fours and three sixes. Despite that foundation, Delhi slipped to 89/5, with Anukul Roy making early inroads by recording figures of 2/31 across four overs and disrupting the middle order.
Middle overs turned into a chokehold for Delhi as KKR tightened the screws. Varun Chakravarthy finished with 0/28, while Sunil Narine contributed 1/17, both helping control the run flow. Kartik Tyagi then struck for two key wickets, conceding 25 runs, before Ashutosh Sharma gave Delhi a late surge.
Sharma’s 39 came off 28 balls, including three fours and sixes each, taking Delhi to 142/8 after 20 overs.
- After KKR elected to bowl, Delhi were 89/5 at one stage following a 49-run partnership between Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul.
- Anukul Roy removed two batters for 31 runs in four overs.
- Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine kept things tight in the middle, returning 0/28 and 1/17 respectively.
- Kartik Tyagi picked up two crucial wickets, ending with 25 runs conceded.
- Ashutosh Sharma’s late 39 off 28 (three fours and sixes each) helped Delhi finish on 142/8.
KKR chase: early setbacks, then Allen and Green take over
In reply, KKR got off to a difficult start. Openers Ajinkya Rahane (the KKR skipper) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi were dismissed early, leaving the side reeling at 31/2.
The chase changed completely from there. Finn Allen and Cam Green forged a decisive 116-run stand that carried KKR to victory. Green finished unbeaten on 33 off 27 balls, striking two sixes, while Allen brought up his century and stayed unbeaten on 100. KKR completed the chase in 14.2 overs, reaching the target with eight wickets in hand.
Standings update: KKR stay alive, DC fall further behind
The win lifted KKR to seventh place, marking their fourth successive victory and keeping their playoff chances in contention. Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, slipped to eighth. The defeat extended their poor run, representing their fifth consecutive home loss and their seventh defeat of the season overall, with their playoff hopes effectively ended.
