Kolkata Knight Riders jumped to the top of the table in the 2016 Indian Premier League after beating Kings XI Punjab by seven runs at Eden Gardens on Wednesday. KKR put on a modest 164/3 on the board after being asked to bat, but their bowlers and fielders performed superbly to help them defend their total. KKR displaced Gujarat Lions at the top on net run-rate, with both teams now having 12 points from nine games.
KKR openers Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa carried on with their blistering form, notching up their first century stand this season, and third overall. Gambhir (54 of 45 balls) struck his fourth half-century of the season, while Uthappa (70 off 49 balls) hit his third, as Kolkata raced along towards a big total.
However, after both the openers were run out, Andre Russell and Yusuf Pathan could not reproduce their heroics of the last game, as KKR scored only 43 runs in the last five overs to reach 164/3 in 20 overs. Punjab had done well with their limited resources – skipper Murali Vijay picked only three foreign players after Shaun Marsh was ruled out of the tournament because of an injury – to give themselves a good chance to get their third win of the season.
The visitors, however, looked to have flung their advantage away as they began the chase, losing three wickets within the first four overs. Wriddhiman Saha (24 off 20 balls) stuck around with Glenn Maxwell for a while, but was bowled by leggie Piyush Chawla in the ninth over to reduce Punjab to 53/4.
It was here that Maxwell decided to switch on his button. The Australian power hitter went on rampage and reached his half-century off just 29 balls. Punjab looked to have recovered and were on their way to a win, before Maxwell attempted a reverse-sweep and missed, only to be given out leg-before. He had made 68 off 42 balls and Punjab were at 120/5.
This was soon to become 130/6 as Miller holed out to long-on off a high full toss. It all looked over for Punjab, but all-rounder Axar Patel still had something to say. The wiry left-hander cracked two sixes and a four off his first three deliveries faced to give his team some hope.
Twelve runs were needed off the last over, as Gambhir tossed the ball to Andre Russell, who had bowled superbly for his 3/16 in three overs till then. The Jamaican bowled a terrific line and, coupled with some excellent fielding that resulted in two run-outs, Punjab were to fall short by seven runs. Russell ended with figures of 4/20.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!