Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders survived some anxious moments before taming a spirited Kings XI Punab by seven runs at the Eden Gardens in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Wednesday.
Chasing a challenging target of 165 to win the match, the Kings XI had a poor start again when new skipper Murali Vijay was dismissed for only six runs.
However, a characteristic 68 off 42 balls by Glenn Maxwell (six fours, four sixes) brought them agonisingly close to the target till they were left stranded at 157 for nine after 20 overs.
The last over started with Kings XI needing 12 runs off the last over but two runouts doused their hopes.
Andre Russell, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker with four for 20, then picked up Swapnil Singh leg before in the penultimate delivery.
Captain Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa’s terrific 101-run stand helped Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) post a challenging 164/3 at the Eden Gardens.
Uthappa top-scored with 70, while Gambhir contributed 54 runs to the total. None of the Kings XI bowlers were able to take a wicket as all three scalps were run-outs.
The KKR opening pair once again provided a solid start on a strip that was assisting the bowlers.
The Knights skipper looked fluent from the outset and took on the likes of Mohit Sharma and Marcus Stoinis smashing them to the ropes. At the end of the powerplay, the home side had managed to get to 40-0.
Uthappa then stepped on the gas and tried hitting the long ball. He succeeded finally in lofting Axar Patel for a straight six in the ninth over. Gambhir too joined in by clubbing a Swapnil Singh full-toss into the stands.
Thereafter, it was all about picking the singles and running hard for the twos. The duo also hit the occasional boundaries as the 100 came up in the last delivery of the 12th over.
However, a little later Gambhir, who had just completed his half-ton, was run out as he misjudged a single.
Glen Maxwell who was fielding at cover threw the stumps down with a direct-throw.
Uthappa was about to follow his captain into the dugout but he was dropped at 50 by Mohit at long on after an indecision with teammate David Miller.
Yousuf Pathan and Uthappa carried the innings forward and both struck two huge blows, but then the latter fell short of his crease trying to pinch a run.
Andre Russell and Pathan struggled to find the ropes in the last few overs and the Knights had to remain content with 164-3.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) 164/3 (Robin Uthappa 70, Gautam Gambhir 54) vs Kings XI Punjab 157 for nine off 20 overs (G.Maxwell 68, W.Saha 24; A.Russell 4/20, P. Chawla 2/27). KKR won by seven runs.
