Shane Watson shines as Rajasthan Royals beat Kolkata Knight Riders

Shane Watson led the way with 104 not out as the Rajasthan Royals claimed a nine-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.

The Rajasthan innings revolved around Watson and he helped put on an opening stand of 80 in seven overs before Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed for 37 off 22 balls.

Steven Smith added 14, but the rest of team fell cheaply, leaving Watson to take centre stage with an explosive knock that included nine fours and five maximums as the Royals reached 199-6 off their 20 overs.

Kolkata endured a difficult start to their reply as they lost Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa to leave the score at 21-2.

Yusuf Pathan and Andre Russell threatened to get Kolkata back in the game with a promising partnership, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as the Royals remained on top.

Watson chipped in with 2-38 from his four overs with the ball, and not even an unbeaten 23 from Umesh Yadav could save Kolkata as Chris Morris, who finished with 4-34, restricted the chasing side to just six runs in the final over.