Sports Desk, KOLKATA : Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan on Thursday smashed his first half-century in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to power his team Kolkata Knight Riders to march into the playoffs beating against Royal Challengers Bangalore by 30 runs. Batting first at Eden Gardens in Kolkata KKR put a huge total of 195 runs for 4 wickets in 20 overs. In replay, RCB managed to get only 165 runs for 5 wickets. Shakib hit 5 fours and 3 sixes to score 60 runs, his highest score in IPL. Shakib also smashed an unbeaten 46 runs off 21 balls in the previous match to seal a 8-wicket win over Chennai at the same venue on Tuesday. KKR opening batsman Robin Uthappa played another knock and was unbeaten on 83 runs off 51 balls with 10 fours and 1 six. The duo added 121 runs off 70 balls at the rate of 13.50 per over in the fourth wicket partnership to put a huge total of 195 for 4 wickets in 20 overs. KKR mystery spinner Sunil Narine took 4 wickets for 20 runs to make the win easy. With the win, Kolkata geared up to the third place in points table with 16 points from 13 matches. Punjab and Chennai are the other two teams who already confirm playoffs of the tournament.
