Uthappa, Narine cement play-off spot for Kolkata

KOLKATA: The Kolkata Knight Riders have cemented their spot in the Indian Premier League playoffs by beating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 30 runs.

Robin Uthappa starred for Kolkata by reaching an unbeaten 83, which included 10 boundaries, while his opening partner Gautam Gambhir could only muster four runs.

Shakib Al Hasan surpassed a half-century to reach 60 runs before getting dismissed by Abu Nechim, while Ryan ten Doeschate closed the innings on an unbeaten six.

After Kolkata posted 195-4, Bangalore sent Chris Gayle and Yogesh Takawale into bat, but they were dealt an early blow when Gayle was declared lbw for just six runs.

Takawale boosted Bangalore's spirts with a knock of 45, while Virat Kohli contributed 38 from 32 balls.

However, SP Narine’s 4-20 buried any chances they had of chasing the target and could only manage 165-5 off their 20 overs.

R.Uthappa was declared player of the match for his brilliant knock.