KOLKATA: Kochi Tuskers Kerala pulled off a stunning six-run win against favourite Kolkata Knight Riders in a trilling Indian Premier League match Wednesday. Ravindra Jadeja struck an 18-ball 29 with three sixes and a four to take Kochi to 132-7 before Kolkata was restricted to 126-9 off 20 overs on a slow Eden Gardens track. In the other match of the day, Mumbai Indians rode on a clinical effort by their bowlers to hand a seven-wicket thrashing to Pune Warriors. Kolkata lost quick wickets in their chase and could never recover from the early setbacks despite a fighting 46-run knock by Manoj Tiwary. Jadeja impressed with the ball as well, picking up two wickets including the key scalp of Tiwary. It was Kolkata's second defeat from five outings and Kochi's third win from as many games. New Zealand star Brendon McCullum (23) and Mahela Jayawardene (25) gave Kochi a steady start, putting on 49 runs for the opening wicket. Bangladesh spinner Shakib had McCullum caught by Eoin Morgan while Pathan accounted for Jayawardene, Brad Hodge and Parthiv Patel in quick succession. In Mumbai, Munaf Patel grabbed three wickets for eight runs while Ali Murtaza and Abu Nechim took two apiece to bowl out Pune for 118 in 17.2 overs. Skipper Sachin Tendulkar scored a fine 35 off 39 balls and shared 74 runs for the second wicket with Ambati Rayudu (37) to set the platform for the chase. Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds (16 not out) hit two fours in the 18th over and Rohit Sharma (20 not out) brought off the winning runs with a six to give Mumbai their third victory in four matches. Pune failed to bat out 20 overs despite a 45-run knock by Robin Uthappa. Brief scores: Pune Warriors 118 all out in 17.2 overs (R. Uthappa 45; M. Patel 3-8, Abu Nechim 2-13, Ali Murtaza 2-18, L. Malinga 2-28). Mumbai Indians 124-3 in 20 overs (A. Rayudu 37, S. Tendulkar 35). Kochi Tuskers Kerala 132-7 (R. Jadeja 29, M. Jayawardene 25; Yusuf Pathan 3-20, Shakib Al-Hasan 3-28). Kolkata Knight Riders 126-9 (M. Tiwary 46; R.P. Singh 2-25, R. Jadeja 2-25). – Agence France
