Yusuf Pathan's blitz leaves Kolkata numb
Posted on May 20, 2008 at 19:06 | Updated May 21, 2008 at 16:26
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Tags: cricket, IPL,
Kolkata: Yusuf Pathan produced a blistering knock to douse Kolkata’s enthusiasm as well as their chances of a surprise win in a grudge match against Jaipur in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Eden Gardens here on Tuesday.
The Baroda batsman blasted an unbeaten 48 off just 18 deliveries and added 81 with Mohammad Kaif (34) for the unbroken fifth wicket stand, snatching the game away after his team was struggling at 69-4 in the 10th over, chasing a target of 148.
The Jaipur team was virtually assured of a semifinal berth before this match while Kolkata had to win in order to have a realistic chance. Kolkata skipper Ganguly, who had a spat with Shane Warne after their last match, had reason enough to hope for a resurgence from his boys. But that was not to be, as Pathan and Kaif sealed a six-wicket win with 21 balls to spare.
Pathan came close to bettering the fastest fifty of the tournament, which he had registered against Hyderabad off 21 deliveries, once again showing his stature in this form of the game. The Baroda batsman smashed three sixes and five fours, finishing the game with a heave over mid-wicket and then breaking into a big smile.
‘Man of the match’ Pathan and experienced campaigner Kaif came together when the team seemed to be slipping. Gul had produced a twin-wicket maiden during which he got rid of pinch-hitter Sohail Tanvir and Graeme Smith. Ishant Sharma had struck early on and with Sourav Ganguly removing Shane Watson a fight looked on the cards.
But the complexion of the game changed once again as Ganguly went for 17 runs in his next over, Pathan clobbering him for two huge sixes. A couple of inside-edged boundaries made things easier for the Baroda batsman, who reached 24 off just eight deliveries and then steadied himself up by running some quick doubles with his sprightly partner, who too opened up and smashed Ashoke Dinda for three consecutive fours on one occasion.
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