MUMBAI, India (CMC) – Explosive all-rounder Andre Russell helped to inspire a gallant run chase that later stuttered as Kolkata Knight Riders lost by nine runs to former champions Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League yesterday.Russell featured in a healthy 55-run stand for the fourth wicket with Yusuf Pathan that kept alive KKR’s chances of overhauling the challenging total of 199 for six in 20 overs set by Rajasthan.
In the end, it was too late for Kolkata to reach the required runs, finishing on 190 for 9 when the overs ran out in a thrilling encounter at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
The 50-run stand between Russell and Pathan came in just 28 deliveries, owing to some big hitting from both the batsmen.
Russell scored 37 from 20 balls smashing two sixes and picking up four boundaries on the way.
The Jamaican batsman was caught by Dhawal Kulkarni at long-off after getting an outside edge from a Chris Morris delivery.
Earlier Pathan, who top-scored with 44, featured in a solid 56-run stand with Manish Pandey for the third wicket.
Shane Watson’s blistering knock of 104 highlighted Rajasthan innings while Morris helped them post their exciting victory with four for 23.
Rajasthan’s win over KKR guarantees them a place in the IPL 2015 playoffs.
Meantime over in Mohali West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo picked up one wicket for 20 runs from two overs as Chennai Super Kings scored an impressive seven-wicket victory over Kings XI Punjab at the PCA stadium yesterday.
CSK cruised to 134 for three to easily surpass Punjab’s 130 for seven and secured the top spot in the league table this season.