Uthappa fires KKR to big win

Robin Uthappa smashed his way to the third fastest half century of the season as Kolkata Knight Riders notched up a comfortable six-wicket victory over Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League here tonight.

Put into bat, Kings XI Punjab were restricted to 138 for eight in the stipulated 20 overs, thanks to some brilliant bowling by fast bowler Morne Morkel (2 for 27) and 'mystery' spinner Sunil Narine (2 for 22).

Led by Uthappa's blazing knock of 53 off 28 balls, the visitors chased down the target of 139 with 17 balls to spare. KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir continued to lead the team well, scoring 34 off as many deliveries.

Uthappa reached his 50 off 24 balls, before leg-spinner Pradeep Sahu had him trapped in front of wicket to end a fluent opening wicket partnership of 82 runs in just under nine overs.

By the time Uthappa was heading back to the dugout, half the job was done for KKR, who were 93 for one midway into their chase.

Sahu was the most impressive of KXIP bowlers, returning figures of 2/18 in four overs. Axar Patel went straight through the defence of Manish Pandey (12) to KXIP their third breakthrough.

Yusuf Pathan (12) and Suryakumar Yadav (11) were at the crease when victory was achieved, which took KKR to the top of the points table.