Somerset register emphatic win

Despite the heroics of Pathan and the technical brilliance of Kallis, Kolkotta could not register a win. The slow and low track was mastered by an unknown batsman, Roelof van der Merwe, who smashed 73 off 40 balls to set a great Somerset victory.

78 runs were plundered in the last 6 overs by Pathan & Co and KKR finished at 161/3.

Chasing a competitive 162 runs to win, Somerset lost their first wicket for just 15 runs, but Roelof took the attack to the bowlers by a blistering 73, studded with two sixes and nine fours. Off just 25 balls he reached his fifty, which proved to be the third fastest fifty in the Championship League. He was supported by Trego ( 28 off 35 ) and the two were involved in a century partnership.

But their run chase hit a big block, as Somerset lost both van der Merwe and Trego. Hildreth and Suppiah followed in quick succession. Shakib al Hasan ran out Trego and then took a catch to send off van der Merwe. But Nick Compton and Steve Snell held their nerves to register a great victory.

Earlier Jacques Kallis was on the rampage, with a devastating 74 off 61 balls, pulverising the Somerset attack. Adding fuel to the fire was Yousuf Pathan, who scored a brilliant 39 not out. Kallis hit four sixes and four fours and Pathan followed suit with 4 sixes. 161/3 was not at all a bad score, but Somerset proved to be too smart for that.