Lions go top with victory over Knight Riders
The Gujarat Lions moved back to the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) table with a five-wicket victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday evening.
Chasing a target of 159 after restricting the hosts to a total of 158 for four, Dinesh Karthik scored 51 off 29 balls as the Lions eased to victory with two overs to spare.
Gujarat openers Brendon McCullum (29) and Dwayne Smith (27) gave their side a great platform in the chase with a stand of 42 in five overs but Smith was the first to go when he was bowled by spinner Shakib Al Hasan.
Not long thereafter, McCullum followed his opening partner back to the pavilion but Karthik held things together in the middle-overs.
Lions captain Suresh Raina (14) fell cheaply but Aaron Finch (29 off 10 balls) provided good support for Karthik until both lost their wickets with the game virtually won, the visitors ending on 164 for five after 18 overs.
Earlier, the home team paid the price for a dreadful start to the game after Raina won the toss and sent the Knight Riders in to bat.
Kolkata were reduced to 24 for four before the sixth over and needed an unbeaten fifth wicket stand of 134 from Shakib and Yusuf Pathan to resurrect the innings.
By the end of 20 overs, Shakib was 66 not out off 49 balls while Pathan made his way to an unbeaten 63 from 41 balls but the Knight Riders ultimately had to much ground to make up after their false with the bat.
Latest
-
News
England Women wrap up 4-1 series victory in New Zealand
Heather Knight top-scored with 35 in England’s chase of 137.
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.