IPL 2018: KKR beats KXIP by 31 runs

Punjab, May 12: A fine batting display by Sunil Narine and skipper Dinesh Karthik helped Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) beat Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by 31 runs in their Indian Premier League (IPL) clash on Saturday.

Punjab could only reach 214/8 in 20 overs. Both Narine and Karthik helped KKR post a mammoth total of 245/6 in their stipulated 20 overs. Chasing a huge total, KXIP got off to a decent start as both openers Lokesh Rahul and Chris Gayle hit boundaries at regular intervals.

Gayle was dismissed in the 6th over for 21 runs. Rahul yet again batted extremely well to bring up another half-century. His innings was laced with 7 sixes and 2 fours. Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin (45) and Aaron Finch (34) tried to help their team reach the target but the total appeared to be a lot for the hosts.

Sunil Narine (75) and Karthik (50) produced a brilliant batting performance as Kolkata post a huge total against KXIP.Chris Lynn (27) Robin Uthappa (24), Andre Russell (31) and Shubman Gill (16) chipped in with important runs and helped KKR post a huge total.