Kolkata Knight Riders got a little bit quicker to the IPL5 playoffs, beating holders Chennai Super Kings in a closely-contested game at the Chidambaram Stadium. Chase down 140 in the last over, Kolkata strengthens their 2nd spot in the points table with 13 points, one below Delhi.
Kolkata lost the toss but did well with the ball. Economical spell by Kallis and Narine meant that Chennai never gain the desired momentum in their innings, last with just 139-5.Skipper Gambhir had a shock early in his innings when Albie Morkel struck him on the helmet with a bouncer, knocking the team crest off it.
Gambhir, who’s been in well form this season, was woken up by the knock. He put the crest back on the helmet and proceeds to play one of his normally combative innings. He made 63 – his 3rd score in the 60s in the tournament, to go with the 93 he had made in the last game – taking Kolkata closer to the target.
The chase seems straightforward with Gambhir and Kallis adding 70 for the second wicket. But Dwayne Bravo bowled Chennai back in the game with their wickets. It left Kolkata 6 to get from the last over. Yusuf Pathan, who’s been in shocking form with the bat, opened up the game more when he tried to slog Ravichandran Ashwin and was caught at midwicket.
Enter Debabrata Das, a player Gambhir has striking for better things. Das smashed the next release for four powerfully wide of long-on to settle the game. Gambhir was man of the match, but chose to give it away to Das. The 25-year-old is yet to play 1st Class cricket and has had a couple of inspiring cameos and sharp field to show in IPL5.
Man of the match
Debabrata Das
Today Match
Chargers v Warriors (16:00 local | 10:30 GMT)
Royals v Daredevils (20:00 local | 14:30 GMT)
Royals v Daredevils (20:00 local | 14:30 GMT)
