Shakib's IPL stint over?
Shakib Al Hasan's IPL stint virtually came to an end yesterday after a blistering century from Shane Watson led Rajasthan Royals to a 9-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders in a must-win encounter for both the sides in Mumbai.
The only way Kolkata can make it to the knock-out stages is if Royal Challengers Bangalore lose by a huge margin.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The defeat means that Shakib, who finished with figures of 0 for 36, and managed just 13 with the bat towards the end, is likely to be able to join the Bangladesh camp for the India series which on May 20.
Batting first, Watson hammered five sixes and nine fours and left Kolkata's bowlers shocked. He clubbed the ball when the bowlers bowled short and then drove them to precision when it was full. He remained not out on 104 and helped his side post 199.
In reply, Kolkata's chase were supported be many mini cameos.
Yousuf Pathan scored 44, while Andre Russel hammered 37 off 20. Shakib came in at seven, but despite swinging his bat with all his might, he couldn't bring about much of a change.
Umesh Yadav hammered 22 off 9 deliveries, 20 off which came off the second last over, gave Kolkata a glimmer of hope as they required 16 off six balls.
However, Shakib was caught in the first ball of the last over and Kolkata were restricted to 190. Chris Morris, who bowled beautifully for his 4 for 23, proved to be the key devastator.
In the day's other game, Chennai Super Kings beat Kings XI Punjab comfortably by seven wickets and romped to the top of the table.
SCORES IN BRIEF
RAJASTHAN: 199 for 6 (Watson 105 not out; Russel 3-32, Yada 1-36)
KOLKATA: 190 for 9 (Pathan 44, Russel 37; Morris 4-23)
Result: Rajasthan won by nine runs.
PUNJAB: 130 for seven in 20 overs (Patel 32, Dhawan 25; Negi 2-25)
CHENNAI: 134 for 3 in 16.5 overs (Du Plessis 55, Raina 41; Sharma 1-9)
Result: Chennai won by 7 wkts
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