Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 9: A breathtaking unbeaten century from Finn Allen lit up the Arun Jaitley Stadium as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) cruised to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in their Indian Premier League (Indian Premier League) 2026 match on Friday.
Allen produced a sensational 100 not out off just 47 balls, smashing five fours and 10 sixes, as KKR chased down 143 with 34 balls to spare. His explosive innings guided the three-time champions to their fourth consecutive victory of the season.
He was well supported by Cameron Green, who remained unbeaten on 33 off 27 deliveries. The pair stitched together an unbroken 116-run partnership from just 64 balls, finishing the chase with ease.
Earlier, KKR’s bowlers had already put Delhi Capitals under pressure, restricting them to 142/8. Despite a fighting 50 from Pathum Nissanka and 39 from Ashutosh Sharma, the home side never gained full momentum against disciplined bowling from Kartik Tyagi and Anukul Roy.
The chase began aggressively with Allen immediately taking on Mitchell Starc, finding boundaries with confident drives and powerful strokes. Although Delhi briefly struck back through two unusual dismissals — including a run-out of Ajinkya Rahane and a sweep dismissal of Angkrish Raghuvanshi — Allen quickly took control of the innings.
Once Cameron Green settled in, Allen unleashed a sustained assault on the bowling attack. He brought up his half-century off 32 balls with a stylish scoop over fine leg, signalling his intent to dominate.
The middle overs turned into a one-sided affair as Kuldeep Yadav was repeatedly targeted. Allen dispatched him over deep mid-wicket and straight down the ground, while Green added to the damage with a towering six.
Leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam suffered the most, conceding three consecutive sixes to Allen in a single over. The KKR opener then surged into the 90s with another massive hit off Kuldeep before sealing the match in style.
Allen reached his century by launching Mukesh Kumar into the stands over mid-wicket, bringing up one of the most dominant batting performances of the season.
Delhi Capitals’ spin attack proved costly, leaking 102 runs in nine overs for just one wicket, as KKR’s batters made full use of the conditions.
Brief Scores:
Delhi Capitals 142/8 (20 overs) – Pathum Nissanka 50, Ashutosh Sharma 39; Kartik Tyagi 2/25, Anukul Roy 2/31
Lost to Kolkata Knight Riders 147/2 (14.2 overs) – Finn Allen 100*, Cameron Green 33*; Axar Patel 1/27
KKR won by 8 wickets