Consolation win for Kolkata

With the semi-finalists already spotted,the last league game between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians was inconsequential.

With the semi-finalists already spotted,the last league game between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians was inconsequential. But still the stands were full at the Eden Gardens. The locals got their moneys worth as Kolkata scored a nine-wicket victory to finish sixth in IPL III.

Before the game,Kolkata skipper Sourav Ganguly had said that he wanted his team to finish the tournament on a winning note. And this was evident from the fact that Kolkata fielded an almost full-strength playing XI. The only big name missing was opener Chris Gayle. With the Australian David Hussey replacing the West Indian captain,Ganguly wasnt taking it easy.

On the other hand,the runaway leaders of the league phase Mumbai were taking things lightly. Skipper Sachin Tendulkar stayed back at home while stars like Harbhajan Singh,Zaheer Khan,Kieron Pollard and Lasith Malinga preferred to cool their heels in the dressing room or the dugout.

Dwayne Bravo led a young Mumbai before the all-important semi-final. Apart from Saurabh Tiwary,who scored a 37-ball 46,no other batsman could adapt his game to the sluggish pitch. At one stage,Mumbai were 89/5. R Sathish was out for 11 while Stuart Binny,playing in his first match,scored 8. Ambati Rayudu produced a late flourish. He made a 15-ball 27 before he was the last batsman dismissed. Mumbai Indians could manage 133/8 in 20 overs.

As expected this wasnt enough as Kolkata reached the target in 17.3 overs. Ganguly,given a reprieve by Ryan McLaren on 22,scored 42 and finished with 493 runs in IPL III. Unlike in the past games,Kolkata didnt falter while chasing a tricky total today. Ganguly put on a 97- run partnership with Brendon McCullum 57 not out for the first wicket. Not any point during the Kolkata inning did Mumbai seem like turning the tide.

This was Kolkatas first win over Mumbai in five meetings. That was one of the positives Ganguly and his men can take out of this game. For Mumbai Indians,stiffer challenges lie ahead.