Kolkata began their seventh IPL edition with comfortable 41-run win over Mumbai
Bangladesh’s leading all-rounder Shakib al Hasan had a decent outing as Kolkata Knight Riders began their seventh Indian Premier League (IPL) edition with a comfortable 41-run win over defending champions Mumbai Indians yesterday night.
The tournament kicked off in Abu Dhabi with a mix-up at the toss, with the match referee confused whether it was heads or tails. Once that was sorted out, Kolkata chose to bat in the opening encounter. Though the match was moved out of India, a large crowd was on hand to cheer the two teams on.
KKR rode on a majestic 131-runs second wicket partnership between South African Jacques Kallis (72 from 46 balls) and Manish Pandey (64 from 53 balls) to reach a challenging 163 for five in the slow paced wicket at the Sheikh Abu Jayed Stadium.
Shakib went in at No 6 in the penultimate over and lasted only two balls for one run. He holed out at extra cover of Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga who took 4/23.
MI were not let loose inside the powerplay which also saw Shakib bowl the sixth over for seven runs. He dismissed Tare in his second over when the batsman charged down the wicket and heaved across the line only managing a leading edge that flew high before the left-arm spinner took the catch himself, albeit after a bit of juggle.
He eventually finished with 1/29 and helped in tying the opponents below the required run rate. Sunil Narine cashed in from the pressure built and left with figures of 4/20, three of which came in the 17th and 19th over. MI were restricted to 122/7.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
