Deccan's losing streak continues

The Kolkata Knight Riders heaped further misery on the Deccan Chargers as they secured a five-wicket victory in Cuttack on Sunday.

The Kolkata Knight Riders heaped further misery on the Deccan Chargers as they secured a five-wicket victory in Cuttack on Sunday.

Deccan's struggles with the bat continued as they managed a disappointing 126 for seven after they were put in to bat, with Shikhar Dhawan playing the only innings of substance as he contributed a run-a-ball 50.

Despite losing wickets in the middle period of their chase Kolkata were never truly troubled by Deccan's total, and consigned the Chargers to their fifth defeat in five games this season.

Although the home side managed to keep wickets in hand as they looked to post a competitive score, Deccan's cautious approach meant that they never built any meaningful momentum.

Dhawan played the anchor role well, but was reliant on batsmen providing firepower at the other end. That never really happened as Parthiv Patel scored 23 from 19 balls and Cameron White got in, and then got out.

JP Duminy arrived with the score on 95 for three at the start of the 15th over, but was denied the strike and only faced 15 deliveries to finish not out on 16.

With Dhawan dismissed an over later with no real batting to come, Deccan never looked like posting a menacing total.

Although they had Kolkata three down by the halfway stage of their chase, with Gautam Gambhir falling for 30, such a meagre target was always within the Knight Riders' grasp.

Yusuf Pathan failed again and Jacques Kallis fell for 23, but there were enough contributions to ensure that Kolkata cruised home with six balls to spare as Manoj Tiwary finished unbeaten on 30.

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