Yusuf, Botha power KKR to 171/7 against DD

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders rode on Yusuf Pathan’s 42 from 24 balls to post a competitive 171 for 7 against Delhi Daredevils in their return leg clash of the IPL T20 cricket tournament here on Thursday.

Pathan once again held KKR’s innings together and struck three fours and three sixes even as DD picked wickets at regular intervals at Eden Gardens.

Imran Tahir (2/46) dismissed Pathan in the penultimate over of the innings but Johan Botha blasted 17 from five balls in the last over to fire up the total after KKR elected to bat for the first time this season.

Playing with an extra bowler after Sunil Narine got a clearance from the Board, a relieved KKR rejigged their batting order and sent Piyush Chawla at No 4.

The KKR legspinner looked unconvincing but his cameo of 22 from 19 balls (1x4, 1x6) kept the run-rate ticking, even as Mishra bowled a tight spell conceding two runs with one wicket from his first two overs.

Chawla almost fell on the wickets after losing his balance trying to get away an Angelo Mathews bouncer as he looked out of sorts but nevertheless KKR kept the run-rate ticking even as Mishra (1/20) bowled a tidy spell.

Earlier, DD were severely let down by their fielding and Uthappa benefited the most after being dropped twice during his 31-ball 32 run innings. On both the occasions, the ball slipped in between the fielders’ hands.