Kolkata, Apr 21 (UNI) Chris Lynn's 41-ball 74 runs and his brisk 72-run 2nd wicket partnership with Robin Uthappa (34) helped Kolkata Knight Riders to score 191/7 against Kings XI Punjab at VIVO IPL match at Eden Gardens here today.
This was Chris Lynn 4th IPL half centuries as the Queenslander blasted Kings bowlers right from the opening and scored highest 74 runs from 41-ball hitting six boundaries and four big sixes.
Survived at 64 when B Sarn dropped a difficult catch as he ran across to his left from deep cover but could not hold the ball.
Sent to batting first the hosts lost their first wicket in six runs when Sunil Narin's (1) drive off Afghanistahn bowler Mujeeb Ur Rahman's third ball at long on was brilliantly taken by Karun Nair.
KKR, however, overcame initial set back when hard hitter Robin Utappa came and joined Chris Lynn as both picked up first fifty briskly in 35-ball when Utappa hit a six from Ankit Rajpoot delivery.
However, the second wicket partnership broke abruptly at 78 runs in 8.1 overs when Robin Uthappa's (34) full blown shot from Ravichandran Ashwin delivery was again taken by Karun Nair.
Nair did not have to move an inch at deep mid-wicket as he cupped it, much to the embarrassment to local fans, who packed the 66000 plus stadium.
Robin needed 66 runs to score 2000 for KKR was out at 34 in 23-ball. He hit five boundaries and a six.
KKR received another jolt immediately when youngster Nitish Rana was run out on 3. His wicket was a gift to the visitors. Rana set off without even looking at his partner Lynn on the other side and KL Rahul and Rajpoot in combination did the rest for the fielders.
Captain Dinesh Karthik as usual contributed 43 runs from 28 balls hitting six 4s before falling to Barinder Sarn delivery with Andrew Tye taking the catch.
Strongman Andre Russsell fell cheaply at 10.
Andrew Tye took 2 wickets for 30 runs, followed by Barinder Sarn 2/50, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1/32 and Ravichandran Ashwin 1/33.
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