Tuesday, 19 May 2009

Twin cracking half centuries by captain Brendon McCullum and Brad Hodge ensured Kolkata Knight Riders pull off a stunning seven-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in an Indian Premier League thriller in Centurion on Monday.

Chasing a huge 189, Kolkata reached the target in the last ball with McCullum (48-ball 81) and Hodge (71 not out from 44 balls) setting the SuperSport Park on fire to give Kolkata their second victory from 13 matches and in the process denting Chennai’s chances of making it to the semifinals.

Kolkata’s win does not make any difference to their chances as they are already out of semifinal contention though it must have given them the satisfaction of beating a strong side.

For Chennai, still second on IPL table with 15 points from 13 matches, they will have to win their last match against Kings XI Punjab on May 20 in Durban and wait for other results to see if they make it to the last four stage.

McCullum gave Kolkata to a flying start with an exhibition of stunning batting racing to his second IPL-II fifty in 21 balls though he did not get enough support from the other opener, Sourav Ganguly.

Hodge, who shared a 90-run stand for the second wicket with McCullum from just 56 balls, joined the party towards the close of run chase with some stunning fours and sixes to take his side home in the last ball.

Source: freshnews.in