Rajasthan Royals eased to a 19-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League today.
Kolkata won the toss and elected to field and started well, as Brett Lee picked up the wicket of Shane Watson for just five runs in the third over.
Royals' skipper Rahul Dravid replaced the Australian but he struggled, making just 17 off 20 balls before he was dismissed by Rajat Bhatia. Stuart Binny quickly followed him back to the pavilion after scoring a brisk 14.
Opener Ajinkya Rahane (36) and Brad Hodge (46*) put their side into a strong position as they powered their way to 144-6 in their 20 overs.
Kolkata struggled in their reply, losing Manvinder Bisla and Jacques Kallis early on to the bowling of Rahul Shukla.
Rajasthan seamers Siddharth Trivedi and Kenny Cooper dominated the Knight Riders' batting lineup, taking three wickets each.
Only Eoin Morgan offered resistance with an explosive 51 off 38 balls as Kolkata were bowled out for 125 in the 19th over, 20 runs short of their target.
Simon Sinclair
