KKR storm into IPL final

KOLKATA: Kolkata Knight Riders stormed into the final of IPL 7 after registering a 28-run win over table-toppers Kings XI Punjab in the first qualifier at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Chasing a modest 164-run target, KXIP lost early momentum in a bid to match the Duckworth/Lewis par score and were restricted to 135 for 8 in twenty overs.
KXIP, who last made to the knockout stage in 2008 when they reached the semis, can still make it to the final if they beat the winners of the eliminator between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, according to a news agency.
KXIP's skipper George Bailey's decision to bat second considering the rain threat was clearly a logical decision but KKR's all-round show ensured that the hosts had the last laugh. Fast bowler Umesh Yadav was KKR's destroyer-in-chief as he claimed vital wickets of Virender Sehwag, Glenn Maxwell and Bailey, giving away just 13 runs in his four overs.