Dolphins sent packing in India

Kolkata Knight Riders won by 36 runs to take their unbeaten run in T20 cricket to 13 successive matches while the Dolphins were left to reflect on what might have been.

They made an excellent start in having the Knight Riders 34/2 at the end of the fifth over and 39/2 at the end of the mandatory six-over power play. But there was little joy for them after that as Uthappa (85 not out off 55 balls, 13 fours) and Pandey (76 not out off 47 balls, 5 fours and 5 sixes) took complete control.

Having done so well in the power play the Dolphins then saw the game go away from them as the next four overs cost 50 with their four bowlers filling the fifth role – Cameron Delport, Anile Phehlukwayo and Khaya Zondo – conceding 51 runs in their collective four overs.

The recruitment of Ryan McLaren will make a huge difference to the Dolphins in bringing more balance to their side when he is available.

In reply the Dolphins lost their first two wickets off the first eight balls of their innings but they still looked as though they had a chance when Zondo and Phehlukwayo added 63 for the fifth wicket in six overs, leaving them needing to score 68 off the last 5.2 overs.

Sunil Narine then closed the match out for the Knight Riders, dismissing both these batsmen as well as the dangerous Robbie Frylinck.

Uthappa was named Man of the Match.

(File Photo:Gallo Images)

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