IPL: Kolkata Knight Riders Snatch The Trophy From Defending Champions Chennai Super Kings

Kolkata Knight Riders won their first IPL trophy as they beat Chennai Super Kings in a superlative run chase that decided the fifth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Set to chase 191, Kolkata lost their in-form skipper Gautam Gambhir early. Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis then put up a record partnership of 136 runs for the second wicket of only 13.4 overs. Both began cautiously but soon Bisla started finding boundaries at will. In one over from Morkel he blasted the quickie for four boundaries. He improvised brilliantly, using footwork to make room for his shots. Kallis at the other end played the sheet anchor’s role giving as much strike to Bisla as possible. When Bisla fell, Chennai sensed a chance. They got the wickets of Shukla and Pathan in quick succession. Kallis held the key to take this beyond Chennai. When Kallis became Hilfenhaus’ victim in the 19^th over, Kolkata appeared to be choking. Shakib and Tiwary though found the ropes when it most mattered as they chased down 16 runs needed of 6 balls.

It was Chennai though after their batting performance that looked set to win their third IPL title. Chosing to bat after winning the toss, Chennai built their innings brilliantly. Vijay and hussy gave them the start they needed with an opening partnership of 87 of 10.2 overs. Raina then played a blinder scoring unbeaten 73 of only 38 balls. Raina paced his innings in a typical T20 manner; running hard, get the odd boundary to begin with before launch a Blitz Krieg at the end.

Shahrukh Khan, team owner of Kolkata Knight Riders was delighted with the win. With so many former cricket stars and Bollywood celebrities in the stand, Bisla tured out to be the brightest star of the evening.