KOLKATA Knight Riders claimed their fifth win of the Indian Premier League season with a comprehensive 47-run defeat of Royal Challengers Bangalore. KKR’s heavy-hitting top three all struck form as they posted 190 for four, while Chris Gayle was unable to find enough support to mount a serious challenge in response.
Gautam Gambhir top-scored with 93 after winning the toss, facing 51 deliveries and scoring nine fours and five sixes.
He shared an opening stand of 95 with Brendon McCullum, who made 43, and was then supported by Jacques Kallis, who cleared the ropes three times in his 41.
Vinay Kumar returned two for 31 as he escaped much of the worst punishment.
RCB’s response was built entirely around Gayle, who started relatively slowly but soon started flaying the bowlers around the ground.
He finished with 86 from 58 deliveries, with seven fours and six maximums, but nobody else reached 20 as the required rate spiralled out of control.
Tillakaratne Dilshan (one) and AB de Villiers (nought) were notable failures, while Virat Kohli mustered only 19.
Kallis took two for 31 and Yusuf Pathan conceded just 19 from his four-over spell. (Eurosport)