Kolkata Knight Riders Beat Kings XI Punjab to Clinch Second IPL Title in Three Years
Bangalore: Manish Pandey’s innings made sure Wriddhiman Saha’s valiant knock of 115 not out went in vain as Kolkata Knight Riders beat Kings XI Punjab by three wickets to clinch their second Indian Premier League (IPL) title at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here Sunday.
Put in to bat, the Kings XI were powered to a strong total of 199/4 by Saha’s maiden and brilliant century after they suffered an early setback. In reply, Pandey’s 94 anchored the 2012 edition champions to victory with only three balls to spare.
The Kolkata-based outfit becomes only the second team to win two titles after the Chennai Super Kings in 2010 and 2011.
Kings XI didn’t get off to a good start and were reeling at 30/2 in the sixth over. Veteran opener Virender Sehwag, who hammered an impeccable 122 against the Super Kings in Qualifier 2 Friday, disappointed the fans by getting out for a paltry 7 off 10 deliveries.
Captain George Bailey (1) surprised everyone when he promoted himself to first down but completely misread Sunil Narine’s delivery to get bowled.
Opener Manan Vohra (67) and wicketkeeper-batsman Saha tried to steady the ship thereon. Though the run rate was only run-a-ball, the duo made sure the team didn’t more wickets….
Click here to read more