Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) became the first team to secure their spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs after beating Mumbai Indians (MI) by 18 runs in a rain-curtailed fixture on Saturday (May 11).

Invited to bat first, KKR posted 157/7 on the board in a 16-overs-a-side contest at the iconic Eden Gardens. Venkatesh Iyer was the top scorer with 21-ball 42 while Nitish Rana (33 off 23), Andre Russell (24 off 14), Rinku Singh (20 off 12) and Ramandeep Singh (17* off 8) chipped in with crucial cameos.

Despite a strong start from the MI openers, who raced to 65-0, the KKR bowlers rallied to defend the total. Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy starred with the ball as he claimed two wickets by conceding only 17 runs in his four overs. Harshit Rana (2-34) and Russell (2-34) also returned with a couple of scalps and identical bowling figures to restrict the visitors to 139/8.

After the game, KKR captain Shreyas Iyer opened up on manifesting for this win as it would have earned them a place in the playoffs.

"I manifested before the game that we'd get through. We were playing fantastic cricket, boys have taken responsibility," Iyer said at the post-match presentation.

"There have many game-changers. The boys have shown great attitude and it was on display today. I feel the team that plays the best wins, we have a mindset to win from any situation. They were going great after the first six but we were great. Wasn't thinking about stats or records. Today was a new day and the weather wasn't great. We did well which is what's important," he added.

Shreyas Iyer also explained his decision to give the fourth over to Varun Chakravarthy in a rain-shortened game.

"I feel which bowler is bowling better on the day is what better. Varun bowled awesome. It was difficult to play his leggies in the nets yesterday. Went with my guts and it came off," he remarked.

Kolkata Knight Riders will next face Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Monday (May 13).