Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Chris Lynn plays a shot during the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match against Gujarat Lions at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.
Kolkata Knight Riders chased down a target of 184 with all their wickets intact, setting up a world record in T20 cricket, thanks to an amazing opening wicket stand by Big Bash star Chris Lynn and Gautam Gambhir.
Lynn struck a 19-ball half century - and put on the IPL's highest opening partnership, an unbroken 184 against the Gujrat Lions, with Gautam Gambhir who made 76 off 48 balls himself.
The duo ensured the victory is secured with 31 balls to spare.
Earlier, skipper Suresh Raina hit 68 runs (not out) to lift Gujarat Lions to their total of 183 runs for the loss of four wickets, which seemed like a competitive total against the Knight Riders. Raina's knock was measured as it came off 51 balls and well-decorated by seven boundaries. Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik supported the GL captain and scored causative 47 runs off 25 balls.
With a remarkable strike rate of 188, Karthik lifted the home crowd off their feet, slamming two sixes and four boundaries.
For the fourth-wicket, Raina and Karthik put an 87-run partnership stand that laid a strong foundation for the last year table-toppers.
Kuldeep Yadav led the bowling attack for KKR as he claimed two big wickets in shape of Brendon McCullum (35) and Aaron Finch (15).
Brief scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders: 184 for 0 (Chris Lynn 93 not out, Gautam Gambhir 76 not out)
Gujarat Lions: 183 for 4 (Suresh Raina 68, Dinesh Karthik 47, Kuldeep 2-25) by 10 wickets
