All round performance from Kolkata overpowers Kings

A fine half century from Gambhir and a supportive knock from Kallis ensured that Kolkata Knight Riders did not make mess of a small chase second time in a row.

Gilchirst won the toss and elected to bat first. But apart from Gilchrist 40, Marsh 33 and David Hussey 10, none of the Punjab players were able to reach double figure. Gilchrist had returned to pavilion earlier after he pulled what looked like his right hamstring but returned later to hit a six in the penultimate over and give his bowlers a target to defend which required more than 6 runs per over. Balaji and Bhatia kept it tight while Lee and Narine picked a couple of wickets each.

Chasing 125, Kolkata didn’t make any mistake this time and started accumulating runs at a fast pace. When Brendon McCullum, who came in for Shakib al Hasan, departed for a score of 15, KKR had already raced to 53 courtesy Gambhir. The second wicket fell at 74 when Bisla was bowled by Chawla but Kallis (30) and Gambhir (66) then ensured that they got over the finish line without any jitters this time.

Score:

Kings XI Punjab 124/7 (20/20 ov) (Gilchrist 40, S Marsh 33, S Narine 2-24)

Kolkata Knight Riders 127/2 (16.3/20 ov) (Gambhir 66, Kallis 30, P Chawla 2-19)

Man of the Match – Gautam Gambhir