Hosts Kochi Kerala Tuskers defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 17 runs at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Asked to bat first after losing the toss, Kochi put up a modest total of 156 for 5 thanks to Skipper Mahela Jayawardene's 55 from 41 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes. It was a crucial cameo from Brad Hodge, 35* from 19 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes made the difference for Kochi in the final overs.
KKR were off to a solid start of 69 for 1 in 10.2 overs but the momentum wasn't very high and once they started to lose a few wickets, Kochi made the target look very difficult. Openers Kallis scored 45 from 41 balls and Eoin Morgan came up with 66 from 51 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes but he couldn't see his side through for a victory. Medium pacer Raiphi Gomez with the two big wickets of Kallis and Gambhir in consecutive deliveries was the best performer with the ball for the hosts. Gomez conceded only 14 runs besides bowling a maiden in his four overs. Brad Hodge got the Man of the Match for his lusty hitting in the first half.
- BV Swagath
