Kolkata cruise to eight-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals

Kolkata Knight Riders reignited their Indian Premier League play-off hopes with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens.

Set just 133 for victory, Kolkata cruised past their target with 16 balls to spare thanks to an unbroken 78-run partnership between Yusuf Pathan (49no) and Jacques Kallis (33no).

The Royals remain well positioned in third place despite the defeat, while the Knight Riders will be hoping their fourth win of the campaign provides a catalyst in their title defence.

Only Shane Watson (35 off 35) and Sanju Samson (40 off 36) came away from the Rajasthan innings of 132-6 with any credit, however neither scored at an alarming rate.

Sri Lanka spinner Sachithra Senanayake (2-26) was the pick of the Knight Riders attack, with none of their six bowlers used conceding more than eight and a half runs an over.

The run-chase was a mere formality after Gautam Gambhir (12) and Manvinder Bisla (29) had added 41 for the first wicket.

Kallis struck two boundaries and a maximum while Pathan treated the home fans with some brutal hitting, clearing the rope three times to see Kolkata home with plenty to spare.