Kolkata Knight Riders hammer Rajasthan Royals

RR 81 15.2 overs KKR 85/2 13.5 overs

A brilliant bowling performance led by pace bowler, Lakshmipathy Balaji, gave hosts, Kolkata Knight Riders, a resounding win over the champions of the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League, Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Balaji, who was once the star of the Indian pace attack, regained his touch in a most spectacular fashion. The pace man had Shane Watson bowled by arguably the ball of the tournament to date. It was an out swinger that pitched on leg stump and moved away sharply to strike the top of the off-stump and the tone was set for a special performance by the hosts as the crowd erupted wildly.

Amit Paunikar was also sent back cheaply, and the visitors were left in a spot of bother due to two reckless run outs.

At 67/5 they were in a position of reaching at least the 120 runs mark, however, a stunning late order collapse spelt doom for them. The last six wickets fell for the addition of only 14 runs, the innings was over in the 16^th over with the total reading a dismal 81.

Shakib Al Hasan, the Bangladesh captain, chipped in with 2 useful wickets to back up the work from Balaji, as the Royals reeled towards an ignominious loss.

In reply the Knight Riders were given a body blow when Aussie quick, Shaun Tait, accounted for the most accomplished batsman in the line-up, Jacques Kallis, on the second ball of the innings. He was smartly taken by Ross Taylor, as an attempt at a pull shot went awry.

Manvinder Bisla was sent packing by Royals captain, Shane Warne, for only 9 runs, yet that was the last moment of success for the visitors. After the demise of Bisla, the remaining runs were knocked off at ease by the pair of Gautam Gambhir and Manoj Tiwary, who added 54 runs in their unbroken association for the third wicket.

Balaji was named man of the match for his outstanding effort that gave the momentum to his team that they succeeded in carrying through the rest of the match.