For the first time in IPL 2020, Shah Rukh Khan was present at the ground on Wednesday to cheer his Knights. Dinesh Karthik’s men responded perfectly, pulling off a clinical 37-run victory over Rajasthan Royals at the Dubai International Stadium.

KKR read the conditions much better and it showed in their approach.

Put into bat, KKR rode on contributions mainly from Shubman Gill (47) and Eoin Morgan (34 not out) to post a challenging total of 174 for 6. Considering how the Royals have batted going into this game, there was no reason for KKR to feel secure.

But on a pitch that looked to be getting slower as the game progressed, the seven-bowler strategy again worked for KKR. This, despite Andre Russell not having to bowl on the day.

KKR’s quicks, particularly youngsters Shivam Mavi (2/20) and Kamlesh Nagarkoti (2/13), bowled the correct line and length that rattled the likes of Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag. Nagarkoti then capped it off with two fine catches.

Kolkata Knight Riders principal owner Shah Rukh Khan cheers on the team with son Aryan after the win over Rajasthan Royals in Dubai on Wednesday. Picture courtesy IPL

Tom Curran fought a lone battle for the Royals, remaining unbeaten on 54 off 36 balls that somewhat reduced the margin of defeat.

Pat Cummins again deserves special praise for his fast, accurate and incisive bowling during the Powerplay overs. He also got rid of Royals captain Steve Smith, out caught behind while going for a heave on the on-side.

On a pitch where hitting through the line wasn’t too easy, the in-form Samson too made a similar kind of mistake and perished in the mid-wicket region, as Mavi took his first wicket. Mavi then picked up another crucial wicket, that of Buttler who gave catching practice at short third man.

With Nagarkoti then accounting for a clueless Robin Uthappa and Parag, the Royals were wobbling at 42 for 5 in the eighth over. There was simply too much to do for their ‘miracle man’ Rahul Tewatia.

KKR bowlers made the Royals find out the difference between playing at the two stadiums — Sharjah and Dubai. At a bigger ground and on a wicket that offered at least something for the bowlers, KKR turned out to be the better side.

Earlier, despite the Royals’ fielding lapses, Gill once again made an important contribution for KKR.

Jofra Archer was the pick of their bowlers with his pace and seam movement. Archer (2/18) also clocked the fastest delivery of the tournament (152.1 kmph) in a fiery spell, taking two key wickets -- Gill (47 from 34 balls) and Karthik (1).

Russell, promoted to No.5 in the batting order, teed off with three meaty blows but didn’t last long while Morgan ensured they posted an imposing total. He remained unbeaten on 34.