SRH will not do us any favours, says KKR head coach Jacques Kallis

Two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winners Kolkata Knight Riders are comfortably poised with 14 points from 13 games and are in pole position to become the third team to seal a playoff spot. A win against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last league fixture on Saturday will do the job for them. A loss would, however, complicate matters as four other teams are also in contention.

Going into such a crucial match, KKR head coach Jacques Kallis said he feels extra confident after the way his boys showed strong character to script a comeback against Rajasthan Royals in the previous match after conceding 59 runs in the first four overs. After RR had scored 59/0 in four overs, Kuldeep Yadav returned with four wickets for 20 runs as KKR restricted their rivals to 142. KKR reached the target easily.

Speaking at the pre-match conference, Kallis said, “Our biggest gain from the last game was the way we came back after Rajasthan reached 59/0 in four overs. The guys showed character and stuck in under pressure. That’s what pleased me the most about the way they went about the business. We are going to need a lot of it tomorrow.”

He added, “The equation is simple for us. If we win against SRH, we are through. They have played some good cricket throughout under Kane Williamson’s leadership. They are assured of a top-two finish in the league stages. They will do us no favours tomorrow and we aren’t expecting anything either. We will try to give our best against them.”

Qualification scenario for KKR

Apart from KKR, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore are also in contention to seal the last two remaining playoff spots on the final two days of the league stage. The Super Kings and Sunrisers have already qualified for playoffs. Thus if KKR win they seal the qualification spot but a loss would open up the door for the other franchises to replace KKR.

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