Sri Lankan batsman, Mahela Jayawardene's unbeaten knock of 52 runs helped Kings XI Punjab to clinch a thrilling victory over Kolkata Knight Riders at Port Elizabeth on Sunday (May 3). Chasing a victory target of 154, the Kings XI Punjab won off the last ball of the match. Irfan Pathan (19 not out) hit a four off the last ball of Ajit Agarkar's over when the scores of both the teams were tied at 153. Sunday's victory helped Kings XI Punjab to garb the second spot on IPL points table.

 

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, the Knight Riders scored 153 runs in their 20 overs. Brad Hodge was the top scorer for Knight Riders. The Aussie batsman blasted 70 runs in just 43 deliveries with one six and ten fours. But his blistering knock could not save his team. The Shah Rukh Khan-owned team has so far lost six matches, which might stop it from getting into the semis of the tournament. The Kolkata team lost the match against Punjab because of their sloppy fielding.

 

Opening the innings for the Knight Riders, both Brendon McCullum (19) and Chris Gayle (17) gave a poor start. After their dismissal, Hodge and Sourav Ganguly (22) repaired the innings by putting a third-wicket partnership of 51 runs. Both players kept the score broad ticking until leg-spinner Piyush Chawla picked up Ganguly with his tricky delivery. At the final stage of the innings, Hodge along with More van Wyk (18 not out) hit some big shots to take Knight Riders to a defendable total.

 

In reply, Kings IX Punjab could not get off to a confident start as they lost Kumar Sangakkara in the very first over. As wickets kept on falling at one end, Jayawardene held the other end and guided the team to its fourth win in the league.