KOLKATA — Gautam Gambhir scored a solid half-century, while Manish Pandey and Suryakumar Yadav played attractive cameos to help champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) open their account with a 7-wicket win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015 Wednesday. Rohit Sharma‘s excellent 98 not out went in vain as the Knight Riders managed to overhaul the total with consummate ease. After Robin Uthappa was dismissed for nine by Corey Anderson, out caught at slip by Harbhajan Singh, Pandey came out all guns blazing. He scored a sizzling 24-ball 40 with two fours and three sixes. He and Gambhir added a vital 85 runs to ensure that KKR was always in the chase. Earlier, Rohit continued his love affair with Eden Gardens, scoring a terrific 98 not out and carrying on his form from ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, but he did not get a lot of support from the other batsmen early on. Corey Anderson then came good, scoring a brutal 55 not out as the duo led MI to a commanding 168 for three. Brief scores: Mumbai Indians 168-3 in 20 overs (Rohit Sharma 98 not out, Corey Anderson 55 not out; Morne Morkel 2-18). Kolkata Knight Riders 170-3 in 18.3 overs (Gautam Gambhir 57, Manish Pandey 40, Suryakumar Yadav 46 not out; Corey Anderson 1-21). — SG
