Economical Lee sets up Kolkata's win

In Kolkata Knight Riders' previous game, against Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Brett Lee had been smashed for 22 runs in the final over of the innings. It cost them dearly, for Kolkata eventually lost by 17 runs. Against Chennai Super Kings today, Lee took the new ball after Gautam Gambhir chose to bowl on a cloudy afternoon at Eden Gardens, and conceded only one run in his opening over. It set the tone for Kolkata's terrific bowling performance.

Lee bowled a tight length on a sluggish pitch, rarely giving the batsmen room to free their arms. He mostly kept it on a good length and straight, and when he was wide, the ball was usually in the blockhole. His Australia team-mate Michael Hussey could barely hit him through the infield, M Vijay's struggle was worse.

Lee varied his pace superbly and contained the dangerous Suresh Raina after Vijay was dismissed. And he always bowled to his field. After his first spell, Lee had figures of 3-0-5-0 and was instrumental in keeping Chennai to 15 for 1 at the end of the fielding restrictions.

He returned for his final over in the 18th, when S Badrinath and Albie Morkel were well set and steering Chennai out of mire, and bowled splendidly. Knowing that Morkel favours the arc between long-on and deep midwicket, Lee concentrated on keeping the length full and the line wide outside off. Morkel swung repeatedly but missed frequently. He might have even edged one to Mark Boucher, but not many heard the nick.

Lee finished with figures of 4-0-8-0 and Kolkata had kept Chennai to 114, a match-winning performance.