In a notable match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) faced off against Gujarat Titans (GT), resulting in a challenging twist for KKR’s pacer Matheesha Pathirana. The Sri Lankan bowler, who commanded an impressive ₹18 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, returned to action after a calf injury sidelined him for the season’s early matches.
Pathirana’s Ill-Fated Debut
Pathirana made his debut for KKR but managed to bowl only eight balls before leaving the field due to injury. His return was met with high hopes, especially after an extended absence following a calf injury sustained during the T20 World Cup 2026.
Match Highlights
Despite Pathirana’s unfortunate exit, KKR delivered an outstanding performance against GT. They posted a staggering total of 247 runs for two wickets, marking their highest of the season.
- Finn Allen scored 93 runs off 35 balls, hitting 10 sixes and four boundaries.
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi contributed an unbeaten 82 runs.
- Cameron Green added 52 not out.
Fielding Errors by Gujarat Titans
GT’s fielders had a night to forget, dropping four catches throughout the innings. Their misjudgment significantly impacted KKR’s run total. Allen was the primary benefactor of this sloppy fielding, surviving critical catches at 14 and 33 runs.
Strong Start from KKR
KKR’s innings began with explosive energy, racing to 100 runs within just nine overs. The partnership between Raghuvanshi and Green was notable, as they added 108 runs for the third wicket in just 53 balls.
| Player | Runs | Balls Faced |
|---|---|---|
| Finn Allen | 93 | 35 |
| Angkrish Raghuvanshi | 82* | – |
| Cameron Green | 52* | – |
As the match progressed, KKR capitalized on every mistake made by GT, showcasing their batting dominance. Even with Pathirana’s quick departure, KKR’s performance remained formidable, solidifying their position in the tournament.
