Image Source: ESPNCricinfo

Struggling Gujarat Lions register a convincing victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the 23rd match of the ongoing Indian Premier League. Skipper Suresh Raina was brilliant with the bat for the Lions as they chased down a target of 188 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Gujarat won the toss and invited Kolkata to bat first. Once again, it was Sunil Narine who provided the initial momentum that KKR was looking for. The gamble of opening with Narine paid off for KKR once again as Narine smashed 42 runs off 17 balls with 9 fours and 1 six. Gautam Gambhir played well for his 33 while Robin Uthappa top scored with 74. Despite a blistering start, KKR couldn't get past 200 mark as they could finish the inning with boundaries and ended up on 187/5 from 20 overs. Praveen Kumar, James Faulkner, Basil Thampi and Suresh Raina shared a wicket each for Gujarat Lions.

In reply, Gujarat made their intentions clear as Finch smashed 31 runs off just 15 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes.KKR started with spin from the both ends but Finch and McCullum went after Sunil Narine and Shakib Al Hasan to give a blstering start for the Lions. Coulter-Nile got Finch for 31 while McCullum was out to Woakes for 33. After that, it was all Raina's brilliance that took Gujarat home. Raina scored 84 runs off 46 balls with 9 fours and 4 sixes. With Dinesh Karthik, Ishan Kishan and Dwayne Smith were getting out from other end, Raina continued his proceedings and produced a captain's knock.

Match Summary:

Gujarat Lions 188 for 6 (Raina 84, McCullum 33, Kuldeep 2-33)

beat

Kolkata Knight Riders 187 for 5 (Uthappa 72, Narine 42)

by four wickets

Full Scorecard Here