KOLKATA Knight Riders eased to a comfortable 48-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderbad, while Rajasthan Royals beat Kings XI Punjab’s total with four runs to spare in the IPL yesterday.

KKR’s total of 180/4 was an unassailable mark in the end, with Sunrisers falling well short by posting 132 for the loss of seven wickets.
Kolkata’s triumph may well have come before the match started, as they reaped the benefits of their decision to add Sachithra Senanayake on a pitch that favoured the spinners. He bowled Ashish Reddy (4) and limited Hyderbad to 18 runs off his four overs.
The real star with the ball was Jacques Kallis though, who took three wickets for just 13 runs, including both opening batsmen Parthiv Patel (27) and Cameron White (34).
Kallis also took the vital wicket of fifth man Thisara Perera, who was threatening to post a big total after hitting 36 off 25 balls.
The South African had earlier impressed with the bat, knocking 41 off 27 balls after Guatam Gambhir posted a half-century. Eoin Morgan also managed 47 off 21 balls.
In the later match, Kings XI Punjab could only manage 124 in 18.5 overs, a total Rajasthan Royals easily bettered with four balls remaining.
Shane Watson smashed 32 off 19 balls to give the Royals a comfortable start and they never looked like failing to reach their total for the loss of just four wickets. (Eurosport)