Rajasthan Through To Semi’s

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Rajasthan Royals became the first team to go through to the IPL Semi-finals after last nights victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. Full scorecard

It was the disciplined bowling of Shane Warne’s team which set up the win, as Kolkata were limited to just 147-8 from their 20 overs. Three wickets for suprise IPL package Sohail Tanvir and tight bowling from Aussies Warne and Watson gave Rajasthan an easy target and helped set up their fourth consecutive victory.

Good new ball bowling from Pakistani Umar Gul gave Rajasthan an early fright after he removed Graeme Smith and Tanvir but Indians Mohammad Kaif and Yusuf Pathan put on a big hitting partnership to make the 148 needed for the win, look very modest. Pathan in particular making 48 from just 18 balls.

It was the shrewdness of the legendary Warne though which condemned Kolkata to defeat and incidentally, virtually ruining any chance they had of reaching the semi’s themselves. His captaincy showed its class again as his bowling changes and field placements unsettled Kolkata and even the usually reliable David Hussey and Sourav Ganguly found it hard going.

Result from Eden Gardens: Rajasthan Royals won by 6 wickets.

 

Mumbai Grind Out Win

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A Dwayne Bravo half century gave Mumbai Indians their first win in the IPL against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.

It was a great bowling performance from Mumbai to help set up the win, with Sanath Jayasuriya, 14-3 from 4 overs and Shaun Pollock, 27-2 from his 4 overs notably. Kolkata could only total 137-8 from their 20 overs.

In reply, Mumbai batted much better and only lost 3 wickets in reaching the 138 needed for their first IPL win. Robin Uthappa scoring 37 and Bravo hitting a fine 64 from 53 balls giving Mumbai the win.

Before the IPL began I tipped Mumbai to do well, so I am a little shocked at how poor they have started. However with this win, maybe they have turned the corner.

Kolkata Win Again

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Kolkata Knight Riders recorded their second straight IPL win after narrowly defeating The Deccan Chargers by 5 wickets at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

It was Hyderabad Chargers turn to bat first but despite their strong batting line-up, they could only manage 110 from 18.4 overs, as they were bowled out. Murali Kartik was the pick of the bowlers for Kolkata, as he recorded figures of 17-3 from his 3.4 overs. Andrew Symonds top scoring with just 32.

The low total was harder to reach for Kolkata then they would have first envisaged, as tight new-ball bowling from Chaminda Vaas and R.P Singh gave the home side a slow start in reply. However, the total proved to small to defend for the Chargers as David Hussey (38 n.o) managed to get the Knight Riders home with an over to spare, despite floodlight failure on the 16th over.

Final result: Kolkata Knight Riders won by 5 wickets.