BLACKCAPS all-rounder Corey Anderson starred for the Mumbai Indians but it wasn’t enough as the Kolkatta Knight Riders claimed a seven wicket win in the opening match of the Indian Premier League.
The 24-year-old from the Northern Knights hit a quick-fire 55 from 41 balls as the 2013 champions posted 168-3, a run rate of 8.40 per over.
Anderson combined with captain Indian Rohit Sharma (95 from 65 balls) for an unbeaten fourth wicket partnership of 131 runs after they were reeling early at 37-3.
The BLACKCAPS No.6 was at his powerful best when he hit four fours and three sixes as the visitors clawed back into the match.
Anderson also got early reward with the ball when he removed opener Robin Uthappa (9) when he caught by Harbhajan Singh.
But Kolkatta – courtesy of Gautam Gambhir (57), Manish Paudry (40) and Suryakumar Yadar (46*) – were always in control of the chase and won with nine balls remaining.
BLACKCAPS left arm pace bowler Mitchell McClenaghan, who is playing in the IPL for the first time, was not selected for the Mumbai Indians.
BLACKCAPS skipper Brendon McCullum will begin his IPL campaign tonight (NZ time) when his Chennai Super Kings will take on the Delhi Daredevils.
