KKR Intrasquad Practice Match: Navdeep Saini produced a standout moment by dismissing Finn Allen during the second Kolkata Knight Riders intra-squad practice
match at Eden Gardens on Friday.
Allen, who KKR picked up for ₹2 crore, started aggressively while chasing a 200-run target for the Ajinkya Rahane-led Purple Knights against the Rinku Singh-led Golden Knights. He smashed 23 runs off just 10 balls before Saini clean-bowled him, sending his middle stump flying. Attempting a paddle scoop after moving across the crease, Allen was beaten by sheer pace, and the ball ricocheted onto the stumps.
Interestingly, Saini went unsold at the IPL 2026 auction and is currently training with KKR as a net bowler.
Allen had been in sensational form recently, scoring 298 runs in eight innings during the T20 World Cup at an average of 49.66 and an explosive strike rate of 200. His unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls against South Africa in the semifinal, played in Kolkata, stands as the fastest century in the tournament's history.
In the match, the Purple Knights secured a six-wicket victory, powered by Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who smashed an unbeaten 103 off 55 deliveries to chase down the target with four balls remaining.
KKR Intrasquad Practice Match: Brief Scores
Earlier, the Golden Knights posted 199/8 in their 20 overs, thanks to useful contributions from Tim Seifert (45), Sarthak Ranjan (37), and captain Rinku Singh (40 off 25).
KKR will begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 29 against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. They will then return to Eden Gardens for home matches against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants.
