Kolkata Knight Riders’ momentum in IPL 2026 took another sharp turn on Friday, when Finn Allen struck an unbeaten century to lift the side to an eight-wicket triumph over the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Chasing 143, KKR reached the target in just 14.2 overs, with Allen finishing on 100 not out off 47 balls. Cameron Green, who spent the night at the non-striker’s end while the chase unfolded, described it as one of those rare batting nights you only get a few times in a career.
Delhi Capitals set up the chase with a fight early
Delhi started their innings with intent after being asked to bat first. Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul combined to add 49 runs within the opening five overs, giving the visitors a platform to build on. Nissanka went on to reach a half-century, while Ashutosh Sharma made 39, but KKR’s bowlers tightened the screws as the game moved into the middle overs.
- Delhi Capitals were sent in and made an early impact with Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul adding 49 in the first five overs
- Nissanka scored 50 and Ashutosh Sharma made 39
- KKR regained control through the middle overs, restricting Delhi to 142/8
Even though Delhi posted 142/8, it never looked like a total that could withstand the kind of acceleration KKR produced once Finn Allen found his timing.
Allen’s century turns the match: KKR chase 143 in 14.2 overs
KKR did experience an early jolt during the pursuit. Their captain Ajinkya Rahane was run out in an unusual manner, as Allen’s shot deflected off Mitchell Starc’s hand and struck the stumps at the non-striker’s end, leaving Rahane short of his crease. The wicket could have stalled the chase, but Allen kept KKR moving with clean hitting and ruthless pace on the acceleration.
- Ajinkya Rahane’s run-out came after a shot deflected off Mitchell Starc’s hand and hit the stumps at the non-striker’s end
- Allen reached 50 off 32 balls before exploding through the second half of his innings
- He completed the century with 10 sixes and five fours, finishing 100* off 47 balls
- The chase ended with a six off Mukesh Kumar, sealing the win
Allen’s late burst was rapid: after a steady start, he tore through the remaining phase of the innings in just 15 deliveries. The victory represented KKR’s fourth consecutive win and kept their playoff push very much alive after a difficult stretch earlier in the season.
Green reflects on the “rare” view of Allen’s innings and the finishing moments
Cameron Green later spoke about what it felt like to watch Finn Allen’s century from the other end. In an interview on JioHotstar, Green said the experience was uncommon and that you typically only get chances like that in a career.
“So special. I think you only get the chance to be at the other end a handful of times in your career, so that’s one of them,” Green said.
How the pair managed the chase
Allen and Green carried an unbeaten partnership that brought KKR over the line with 34 balls to spare. Green described his role as the steadier one, rotating strike and letting Allen dominate the chase. When asked about what was discussed between the two batters in the middle, Green said there was hardly any conversation, adding that Allen had kept the plan straightforward.
- Green said he played the support role by rotating strike while Allen dominated the chase
- He revealed there was “very little discussion” between the two batters
- Green quoted Allen’s message as essentially: “See you next over”
“Nothing really. I think, Finn, all he said was, ‘See you next over.’ So, yeah, that’s basically what I tried to do. I was just at the other end playing second fiddle,” Cameron Green said.
The equation near the end: keeping Allen in control
The most delicate part of the chase arrived as Allen approached his hundred and KKR were already close to victory. Green said he had worked out the equation when 29 runs were required and focused on ensuring Allen remained in control of the strike at that critical stage.
“I think I did the match when we had 29 to get. So yeah, I knew I’d be the most hated man in Kolkata if I did anything else apart from that (giving the single to Allen),” Green said.
Green also clarified who was doing the calculation during the chase. He joked that while he handled the math, Allen might have been working it out too.
“No, not us. I was, I did the math. But no, Finn’s very good at maths as well, so I’ll give him credit for that. So, probably, he was probably doing the same. Winning, that’s been the most satisfying,” he added.
Green credits KKR’s bowling revival, especially spin
Despite their fourth straight win, Green suggested KKR were not looking too far ahead in the playoff race. He pointed out that the team still needed to win consistently and keep attention on the remaining league matches. Before moving to that wider focus, Green highlighted how KKR’s bowling unit set up the chase, particularly on a surface where Delhi had threatened to build a bigger score after their powerplay start.
- Green said KKR’s bowlers were “great all comp” and the spin attack was especially impactful
- He noted that the fast bowlers complemented the spinners by playing their part
- Green singled out Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravaerthy for major contributions
- He also mentioned Anukul Roy for chipping in
“But I think our bowlers have been great all comp. Our spin bowling in particular, they’ve been exceptional. So I think the fast bowlers around them have just played their part,” Green said. “And obviously, Sunny (Sunil Narine) and Varun (Chakaravaerthy) have been awesome. And Anu (Anukul Roy) has been chipping in as well,” he added.
KKR keep focus on the remaining league games
Green’s closing message was clear: KKR may have strung together wins, but the task still isn’t finished. He said the side would not start thinking too far ahead and must treat every remaining match as a must-win.
“No, you definitely don’t look that far ahead. I think we still have to win every game from here. So, yeah, we won’t be looking that far ahead,” Green said.
