 in a close encounter of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2012 final on Sunday.<strong> </strong></p> "Pin It")
Kolkata Knight Riders were set a mammoth target of 191 runs by Chennai Super Kings © AFP
By CricketCountry Staff
Chennai: May 27, 2012
A heroic effort by opener Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis has helped Kolkata Knight Riders beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a close encounter of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2012 final on Sunday.
Chasing a mammoth target, Kolkata suffered a major blow as Ben Hilfenhaus removed the in-form Gautam Gambhir.
But Bisla, replacing Brendon McCullum gave a blistering start to the Knight Riders as he put on a valiant 136-run partnership with all-rounder Jacques Kallis.
However Bisla’s dismissal in the 15th over hampered KKR’s run-chase. But Kallis continued to consolidate the innings from the other end.
The South African all-rounder ran out of partners and eventually lost his wicket at the crucial juncture in the 19th over with 16 runs still needed.
But a cool temperament by Shakib Al Hasan and Manoj Tiwary in the death overs helped KKR cross the finish line; KKR secured a maiden IPL title.
Earlier Chennai had set a huge target of 191 runs for Kolkata.
Batting first, Chennai got off to a blazing start with both the openers Murali Vijay and Michael Hussey looked confident.
The duo took calculated risks and kept the scoreboard moving at a brisk pace. Vijay smashed 19 runs off Brett Lee in the last over of power play.
On a flat track, even the in-form Sunil Narine looked helpless as the Chennai batsmen kept on bludgeoning the bowlers.
Raina later accompanied by in-form skipper MS Dhoni propelled CSK to a massive total of 190 runs.
Brief Score: CSK 190 for 3 in 20 overs (Suresh Raina 73, Michael Hussey 54, Murali Vijay 42; Rajat Bhatia 1 for 23) lost to KKR 192 for 5 (Manvinder Bisla 89, Jacques Kallis 69; Ben Hilfenahus 2 for 25) by 5 wickets
Man-of-the-match: Manvinder Bisla
Man-of-the-series: Sunil Narine
