Yusuf Pathan’s 29-ball 60 propels KKR past the finish line against Bangalore

Bengaluru, May 2

Riding on Yusuf Pathan's power hitting, Kolkata Knight Riders staged a remarkable comeback to record a five-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore here tonight. Pathan blazed away to 60 off 29 balls to help KKR knock off the 186-run target with five balls to spare. Andre Russell made 39 off 24 balls in a brilliant match-turning fifth-wicket partnership of 96 runs in just 7.2 overs.

Knight Riders are back to the second position in the points table, while RCB's hopes of qualifying for the playoffs have taken a massive beating.

Chasing 185, KKR were reeling at 69/4 in the 11th over. However, Pathan and Russell made short work of the chase by launching a severe onslaught on the RCB bowlers. Pathan smashed six boundaries and three sixes, while Russell cleared the fence four times. Joining forces at a difficult time, the duo didn't let the game slip away from them. And then, in the 17 over bowled by Shane Watson, Pathan cut loose and plundered 24 runs to swing the game decisively in their favour. In the 19th over, Pathan collected 16 runs off Tabraiz Shamsi to leave just the formalities for the last over.

The Knight Riders had got off to a poor start, losing Robin Uthappa in the first over, bowled by Stuart Binny. The next batsman, Chris Lynn, threatened with a six, but got out after making 15. Skipper Gautam Gambhir, the side's in-form batsman, appeared to be guiding the team but he too fell after reaching 37 off 29 balls with the help of four boundaries and a six. The situation got worse when Manish Pandey was dismissed by Watson three runs later.

With KKR needing 119 runs in the last 10 overs, a partnership ensued between Russell and Pathan. Russell fell in the 18th over but Pathan continued the assault and took the team home in the last over.

Earlier, Royal Challengers Bangalore plundered 54 runs in last three overs to post a competitive total after skipper Virat Kohli (52) and KL Rahul (52) struck half centuries.

From 131/4 at the end of the 17th over, RCB went past 180 with Shane Watson (34), Sachin Baby (16) and Stuart Binny (16) playing fine cameos. Watson's 21-ball knock was studded with five boundaries and a six. Binny smashed two sixes and a boundary in the last four balls. — PTI

Today’s match

Gujarat vs Delhi

Live on Sony Six, 8pm