GAUTAM Gambhir’s half-century inspired Kolkata Knight Riders to a narrow seven-run Indian Premier League victory over Pune Warriors.
Hopes were high that the Knight Riders would amount a substantial score after winning the toss when Gambhir and Brendon McCullum put on 113 for the opening wicket.
But the former departed for 56, McCullum fell for 42 soon after and Angelo Mathews took two for 17 in his four overs as Kolkata ended their 20 overs on 150 for five.
The Warriors fell to 55 for five in their response and although Mathews and Sourav Ganguly reignited their hopes with a 73-run partnership, they were extinguished once the captain departed for 36.
Mathews, who had earlier thumped three consecutive sixes off Yusuf Pathan, fell in the last over after making 35 as Pune finished on 143 for eight, with Marchant de Lange the pick of the bowlers with three for 34.  (PA Sport)