KOLKATA Knight Riders (KKR) claimed a spot in the Indian Premier League final for the first time after beating Delhi Daredevils by 18 runs in Pune.
In a battle between the two leading sides in the regular season, Kolkata came out on top after Delhi could make only 144 for eight in pursuit of a victory target of 163. Kolkata go through to the final in Chennai on Sunday with this win but Delhi still have a chance of meeting them there as the Daredevils now face the winner of today’s eliminator between the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
Having won the toss and opted to bat, Kolkata made 162 for four off their 20 overs with their top three all making good starts without being able to really push on.
Captain Gautam Gambhir raced to 32 off 16 deliveries before he was run-out, while overseas stars Brendon McCullum and Jacques Kallis fell for 31 and 30, respectively.
Yusuf Pathan added some valuable late impetus though, striking three fours and two sixes in his 20-ball 40 not out.
Delhi suffered a huge blow in their chase when they lost big-hitting openers David Warner (seven) and Virender Sehwag (10) off successive deliveries at the end of the second over and start of the third.
That left the Daredevils on 24 for two and, despite a third-wicket stand of 59 between Mahela Jayawardene (40) and Naman Ojha (29). they fell short in the end.
Kolkata spinner Sunil Narine again impressed with two for 24 off his four overs, which were the exact same figures as his team-mate Kallis. (PA Sport)