Kolkata clinch an important win

Beat IPL newcomers Pune Warriors by seven wickets.

KARACHI:

Kolkata Knight Riders registered a crucial win in their Indian Premier League (IPL) clash after defeating Pune Warriors by seven wickets in Mumbai.

An impressive bowling performance backed by a superb half-century by captain Gautam Gambhir made sure that Kolkata’s chances of making it to the play-offs were given a huge boost.

Gambhir stroked an unbeaten 54 and ensured Kolkata chased down a paltry 119-run target in just the 17th over as they notched up their eighth crucial win in 13 matches.

Yusuf Pathan, who opened the bowling with Brett Lee, was impressive as he claimed figures of two for 23 and was supported by spinners Iqbal Abdulla and Shakibal Hasan as Pune never really got going.

Wickets at regular intervals halted their progress with captain Yuvraj Singh’s 24 being the highest contribution.

Early wicket fails to halt progress

In reply, Alfonso Thomas picked up a wicket in the first over but a 46-run second wicket partnership between captain Gambhir and Manoj Tiwary ensured Kolkata were on the right track.

Even though the latter was dismissed for just 24, Gambhir continued the good work with Pathan as the pair put on 64 for the third wicket as Kolkata kept on cruising towards their target.

Wayne Parnell then got rid of Pathan with ease when just two more runs were required to win the  match. However, Gambhir, who now has a total of 366 runs in 13 matches, then ensured Kolkata crossed the finish line without any further issues.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 21^st, 2011.