KOLKATA: Mumbai Indians inspired by an unbeaten big partnership from Rohit Sharma and Herschelle Gibbs recorded an easy 27-run victory against Kolkata Knight Riders in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League here at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.
Batting first after captain Harbhajan Singh won the toss, Mumbai Indians plundered 182 runs for the loss of only one wicket in the allotted 20 overs.
After losing Sachin Tendulkar, Sharma hit a brilliant century and South African Gibbs a patient half-century as both added 167 runs for an unbeaten second wicket partnership to set an improbable target of 183 for Kolkata.
Sharma scored 109 from 60 balls with twelve fours and five sixes while Gibbs made 66 off 58 balls with seven fours and two sixes. Both remained not out.
In reply, Kolkata made a disastrous start losing two wickets for just three runs but South African allrounder Jacques Kallis restored the position making 57 runs with Manoj Tiwary (27) for the third wicket stand and then added further 91 with Yousuf Pathan (40 not out) for the fourth wicket.
Kallis top scored with a 60-ball 79 hitting seven fours and three sixes.
However, Kolkata could not reach the target and were restricted to 155 for four in 20 overs.
