Kolkata Knight Riders [KKR] cruised into the IPL 7 final after defeating Punjab Kings XI in the first qualifier match yesterday. George Bailey , Kings XI skipper won the toss and elected to bowl first. KKR did not have a good start as captain Gambhir was removed quickly. Another opener Robin Uthappa who is in superb form continued to bat brilliantly. However none of the KKR batsmen scored maximum runs as in hurry of pushing the scoreboard they lost wickets at regular intervals. Uthappa remained the highest scorer and KKR posted a total of 163 runs.

Kings Xi never looked easy while chasing the target. Virender Sehwag was removed in the second over by Umesh Yadav which made them fall in back foot. Vohra and Saha tried their best to keep the scoreboard ticking but eventually fell who are trying for big shots. Maxwell, Miller, Bailey disappointed as they were removed cheaply by KKR bowlers and in the end it was comfortable victory for KKR.

Umesh Yadav was rewarded with Man of the Match award for his economical bowling and removing three key Kings XI batsmen.

Score details: KKR: 163/8, Uthappa 42, Karanveer 3/40
                 Kings XI: 135/8, Saha 35, U Yadav 3/13

(AW: Vamshi)