Sweet Revenge by KKR defeated Punjab by 8 wickets

By: Syed Rozan Abbas
Youth on Cricket Author, India

Kolkata Knight Riders 127 for 2 (Gambhir 66*) beat Kings XI Punjab 124 for 7 (Gilchrist 40*, Lee 2-26, Narine 2-24) by eight wickets

Gautam Gambhir in action

It was Kolkata Knight Riders today who did it all alone and the most positive thing about this win was captain Gautam Gambhir himself leading from the front. He played captain's knock here today at PCA stadium Mohali. After winning the toss Kings XI  Punjab decided to bat first on that fast pitch and lost its opener, last season blaster Paul Valthaty just for 9 runs but the game was on unless Gilchrist got retired hurt while taking a run due to muscles cramp. After him Punjab were struggling all of the time. Although Shaun Marsh was consistent and made 33 runs but lost his supports continuously from other side. With some contribution at the end of the innings by Gilchrist 40* runs , Punjab manage to score a very minor total of 124-7 in 20 overs.

In bowling department KKR bowlers justify their performance certain changes in the team proves worthy for KKR as Brett Lee takes 2-26 in 4 overs and Suneel Narine took 2-24 in his 4overs.Balaji and Bhatia took 1 wicket each but proved economical for their team.

As chasing 125 was a like walking on the cake and skipper Gambhir with unpredictable Macculum opens the innings for KKR and Macculum shows some good hitting earlier but failed to capitalized on that one and gifted his wicket to Piyush Chawla on such a wasted delivery which could easily be left away to call for wide. He outs on 15 runs before that their was good partnership openers of 53 runs but whats specialty of that chase is captain himself he scored very fast 66* runs from 44 balls to lead from the front and completed their chase with the help of Jack Kallis 30*, they achieved the target with 21 balls to spare. KKR middle order did not tested this time but still uncertainty of playing Macculum over Shakib Al Hassan in upcoming matches.

While nothing good in the field for Kings XI including bowling and fielding although experienced Piyush Chawla took 2-19 in his 4 overs while rest of their bowlers were struggled.

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Posted in: IPL