Twitter Reactions: Yusuf Pathan powers Knight Riders into the playoffs

The Kolkata Knight Riders were cruising in the tournament at one stage before finding themselves struggling to make it to the playoffs. They played Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last league match and needed a win in a bid to qualify for the playoffs. For the Sunrisers, it was about winning the match and ensuring that they get among the top two teams.

KKR were put into bat first and Robin Uthappa played with class for his 17-ball 25. A top-order collapse saw 3 wickets fall in quick succession. It was down to Yusuf Pathan and Manish Pandey to stabilize the innings and they did it with perfection. With brutal hitting coming from both ends, Kolkata threatened to score in excess of 180 at one stage of the game. Pandey fell 2 short of his fifty but had done his job.

Pathan’s unbeaten half century took them to a total of 171/6 in their 20 overs. He continued his good run in the tournament.

Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper David Warner perished early in the innings but it was Shikhar Dhawan, who hit a classy 30-ball 51. Yuvraj Singh gave a brief scare to KKR with a couple of sixes off Kuldeep Yadav. Quick wickets of Yuvraj, Deepak Hooda and Kane Williamson saw Sunrisers loose the mojo.

It was all mere formalities after that as the Kolkata Knight Riders held their nerves on the night when it mattered to stay alive in the competition and made it to the playoffs. Sunrisers, too, have made it to the playoffs. It all comes down to the result of Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Delhi Daredevils match to see who joins the Gujarat Lions for the Qualifier 1 and which two teams face the heat of the eliminator.

Here is how Twitter reacted right through the KKR v SRH match:

We have to move past this performance and come back stronger in the play offs, COME ON! #OrangeArmy #KKRvsSRH

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) May 22, 2016

Ojha ahead of Williamson, a poor call. Innings needed the fluidity of Williamson. Questions for #SRH before the playoffs. #KKRvSRH #VIVOIPL

— Prashant Kunnath (@prashant_dracus) May 22, 2016

IPL suspense continues… SRH loses #KKRvSRH
Over to #RCBvDD

— rohith pallerla (@RohithPallerla) May 22, 2016

This match just before the playoffs has revealed the very big void in the middle order of SRH batting line-up. #KKRvSRH

— CHARLIE (@CharlieGulshan) May 22, 2016

Looks like Sunrisers want Dhoni to finish this game too#KKRvSRH

— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) May 22, 2016

Two Bangladeshis spotted in the middle of Eden. How did they get in#KKRvSRH

— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) May 22, 2016

I think the problem with Chinaman bowlers is that at most times everyone is clueless – batsman, Keeper & Fielder included #IPL #KKRvSRH

— Anand Subramaniam (@28anand) May 22, 2016

Sunil Narine is the coolest dude in world cricket – admire his temperament

— O'Neil Nair (@ONeilNair1) May 22, 2016

Sunil Narine rarely celebrates his wickets with much enthusiasm. It's like he *expects* to win every battle. Sign of a champion sportsman.

— Sports Banters (@SportsBanters) May 22, 2016

Sunil Narine's celebrations are completely opposite to Virat Kohli 😉#VIVOIPL #KKRvSRH

— Mystique. (@Cricketician) May 22, 2016

Expected lot of twists and turn in this match. Only Turn is what we got #KKRvSRH

— Ravi Maestri (@ravimaestri) May 22, 2016

Katappa Is In Full Flow Today. Smashing #SRH Bowlers Like #RCB Bowlers. 😉

#KKRvSRH #IPL2016 #IPL #IPL9 #DDvRCB

— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) May 22, 2016

Most NotOuts in IPL9: (Min.10 inns)

8 – Yusuf Pathan*
5 – MS Dhoni, R Jadeja
4 – S Yadav, K Pollard#KKRvSRH #IPL

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) May 22, 2016

Have been saying Yusuf Pathan should b in Indian T20 team throughout..feel vindicated today whatta talent?
#agejustanumber #yusufpathan

— Arun Ravintharan (@theWolfArun) May 22, 2016

This kind of shit always happens with #KKR !! #KKRvSRH

— Sannyasi (@imRT_) May 22, 2016

#KKRvSRH: @KKRiders fans react to Yusuf Pathan's batting against @SunRisers … pic.twitter.com/E1jmsmRfc9

— Sayan Ghosh (@SayanTales) May 22, 2016

Yusuf Pathan's coming back to serious hitting form can be a great thing for Team India…number 6 spot still up for grabs. #KKRvSRH

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 22, 2016