Tough Luck for KKR Continues

Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Kolkata KnightRiders

Match No- 41,May 12, 2009

Brutal Ross Taylor power Bangalore Royal Challengers to a 6-wicket win over Kolkata KnightRiders (KKR) to keep their chances alive in this year’s IPL.

Set to chase a reasonably high target of 174, openers Jacques Kallis and Jesse Ryder gave Bangalore Royal Challengers (BRC) a useful partnership of 58 runs providing stability. Kolkata KnightRiders bowlers came back strongly during the middle overs when spinners Murali Karthik and Ajantha Mendis rolled some tight overs in tandem. However, Taylor dented any hopes of KKR with his aggressive powerplay. He, along with Mark Boucher, notched up 54 runs in 22 balls for the 5th wicket partnership, to take the match away from KKR’s hands. Taylor, for his performance, earned the Man of the Match award.

Earlier, Brendon McCullum finally came good with the bat hammering a BM of 110. Though KKR didn’t have a great start, but David Hussey (BM of 68), playing his first match in this IPL, batted with controlled aggression and along with McCullum provided stability in the middle for KKR. McCullum then cut loose in the death overs to take KKR score to 173, their highest total in the tournament.

But nothing went right for KKR, as Taylor connected well with the bat and stole the match for BRC.