IPL 2018 Eliminator: Karthik, Russell power Kolkata to 169

After top batting order fell cheaply, skipper Dinesh Karthik and Andrew Russell's superb partnership powered Kolkata to 169 runs in the eliminator of Indian Premier League  2018. 

While Karthik slammed 52 runs in 38 balls, Russell made 49 runs in 25 balls. Russell's unbeaten inning included three fours and five huge sixes.

Earlier, Karthik and Shubman Gill added 55 runs for the fifth wicket to recover the team from early losses.

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Kolkata had their worst start of the season with K Gowtham (2/15 in three overs) and Jofra Archer (2/33) reducing them to 46/3 inside the powerplay.

From being 63 for 4 midway into the innings, Kolkata brilliantly stepped on the gas in the second-half, scoring 106 runs in the last 10 overs with Russell in charge of the proceedings.

Jaydev Unadkat, who leaked 33 runs from his two overs, was a big letdown from Rajasthan's perspective as the Ajinkya Rahane-led side could not choke the hosts despite a sound start.

Earlier, Rahane won the toss and opted to bowl against Kolkata at  Eden Gardens stadium on Wednesday.

After winning the toss, Rahane mentioned the characteristics of Eden's pitch which is a bit damp and the team which bats in the second innings has been successful in most of the occasions.

On the other hand, Kolkata's skipper Dinesh Karthik said there is no scope of errors in tonight's match. 

Both the teams have entered with the same squad and there is no change in the playing XI. 

Playing XI:

Kolkata: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Shubman Gill, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav

Rajasthan: Rahul Tripathi, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Sanju Samson, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Krishnappa Gowtham, Stuart Binny, Jofra Archer, Ish Sodhi, Jaydev Unadkat, Shreyas Gopal, Ben Laughlin