Russell, Narine star for KKR

INDORE, India (CMC):

Andre Russell bagged three wickets and Sunil Narine blasted his sixth Twenty20 half-century as Kolkata Knight Riders rebounded from two consecutive defeats to beat Chris Gayle's Kings XI Punjab by 31 runs in the Indian Premier League here yesterday.

Asked to bat first at THE Holkar Cricket Stadium, the visitors piled up a tournament-high 245 for six off their 20 overs, with the left-handed Narine carving out a typically audacious 75 from 36 deliveries.

Captain Dinesh Karthik supported with exactly 50, while Russell lashed a swift 31 and Australian Chris Lynn, 27.

Australian fast bowler Andrew Tye was the best bowler with four for 41.

In reply, opener Lokesh Rahul smashed 66 and lower-order batsman Ravi Ashwin, 45, but West Indies superstar Chris Gayle managed only 12 as Kings XI rallied before ending on 214 for eight off their allotted overs.

Paceman Russell led the attack for KKR with three for 41 as they moved into fourth spot on 12 points to further intensify the race for a playoff spot.