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KKR vs GT IPL 2026 Match 60 Highlights: Kolkata Wins by 29 Runs at Eden Gardens

Rian Mehta · · 4 min read
kkr vs gt 2026 05 17 05 08 13

KKR vs GT IPL 2026 Match 60: Kolkata Stays Alive with Dominant Eden Gardens Win

In a dazzling batting showdown under the Kolkata lights, the Kolkata Knight Riders delivered a statement performance, defeating the Gujarat Titans by 29 runs in Match 60 of the IPL 2026. Chasing 248, Gujarat fell short at 218-4, despite half-centuries from Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, and Sai Sudharsan.

Kolkata’s Fireworks: Allen, Raghuvanshi, and Green Destroy Bowling Attack

Kolkata’s innings was nothing short of explosive. Finn Allen lit up Eden Gardens with a blistering 93 off just 35 balls, smashing 10 sixes and 4 fours. He reached his fifty in 21 deliveries and looked poised for a century before being caught at midwicket, falling just one run short of back-to-back hundreds.

Allen was dropped twice—on 14 and 33—but made the Titans pay with brutal precision. He shared a 95-run partnership with youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who remained unbeaten on 82 off 44, displaying maturity beyond his years.

Raghuvanshi, surviving an umpire’s call review on 2 and a dropped catch on 52—both off Kagiso Rabada—anchored the final overs with poise. He joined forces with Cameron Green, who smashed an unbeaten 52 off 28 balls, to add a 108-run stand and propel KKR to a mammoth 247-2—their third-highest total in IPL history.

Remarkably, Kolkata didn’t lose a wicket in the final 52 deliveries, showcasing total dominance in the death overs.

Gujarat’s Valiant Chase Falls Short

In response, Gujarat Titans started strong. Captain Shubman Gill rediscovered his rhythm with a powerful 85, laced with seven sixes and five boundaries. He reached his fifty in just 33 balls and built a 128-run stand with Jos Buttler (57), who also looked in commanding form.

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However, the momentum stalled after Gill’s dismissal—a well-timed catch at the midwicket fence off Sunil Narine. Sai Sudharsan battled through adversity, retiring hurt after a blow to the left elbow but returning later to finish on 53*, showing grit under pressure.

Despite three half-centuries, Gujarat never quite matched the required rate. The early drops of Allen came back to haunt them, and the lack of wickets in KKR’s innings meant there was no room for error.

Narine Shines on 200th IPL Appearance

Sunil Narine was the difference-maker. On his 200th IPL match, the off-spinner delivered a masterclass, claiming 2-29 in his four overs. His dismissal of both Gill and Nishant Sindhu broke crucial partnerships and tilted the game firmly in KKR’s favor.

Narine was deservedly named Player of the Match, becoming only the second KKR bowler to reach the 200-game milestone in the league.

What This Means for the Playoff Race

The victory lifts Kolkata Knight Riders to 11 points from 12 matches, with one no-result against Punjab Kings. They remain in contention for the playoffs, but must win both of their remaining home games to stand a chance.

For Gujarat Titans, the loss ends a five-match winning streak. They sit on 16 points from 13 games and will need a win in their final league match against Chennai Super Kings to guarantee a playoff berth.

As Shubman Gill admitted: “Dropping three sitters, I don’t think we deserved to win this one. Best to have a game like this now rather than in the qualifiers.”

Final Scorecard at a Glance

  • Kolkata Knight Riders: 247/2 (20 overs)
    Finn Allen 93 (35), Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82* (44), Cameron Green 52* (28)
  • Gujarat Titans: 218/4 (20 overs)
    Shubman Gill 85 (47), Jos Buttler 57 (40), Sai Sudharsan 53* (35)
    Sunil Narine 2-29 (4 overs)
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This was the first IPL match ever to feature six half-centuries—a testament to the batting firepower on display. But in the end, it was Kolkata’s fielding lapses and Gujarat’s missed chances that defined the outcome.

With the business end of the tournament approaching, every run and every catch counts. And on this night, Kolkata made just enough of both to keep their dreams alive.

Rian Mehta

Rian Mehta is a senior cricket correspondent for The Hindu, known for blending granular technical analysis with an engaging narrative style. A graduate of Christ University, Bengaluru, he first made his mark covering age‑group and university cricket before stepping up to the IPL and international beat. Rian specialises in breaking down batting techniques—from orthodox cover drives to audacious switch‑hits—and is widely respected for his eye for emerging talent in India’s domestic circuit. His work often incorporates advanced statistics, making complex data accessible to the everyday fan. A recipient of the RedInk Award and a regular voice on The Hindu’s cricket podcast, Rian has reported from multiple IPL seasons and bilateral series. He remains deeply invested in telling the stories of young cricketers making their way through the ranks of Indian sport.