KKR's record 12th straight victory makes Gambhir a proud skipper

Gautam Gambhir, right, Robin Uthappa, left, and Kuldeep Singh Yadav of the Kolkata Knight Riders celebrate the wicket of Mitchell Marsh of Perth Scorchers. Photograph: BCCI

Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir is proud of his side's record 12th straight win. Gambhir also praised the team spirit and predicted a great future for Suryakumar Yadav, who helped the IPL champions book their semi-final spot in the Champions League T20 in Hyderabad on Wednesday night.

Kuldeep, Suryakumar guide Kolkata to CLT20 semis

Scorecard

Coming in at No 7, Suryakumar kept a cool head on his shoulders to smash a 19-ball unbeaten 43 as KKR edged past Perth Scorchers by three wickets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium at Uppal.

"The guys have taken up great responsibility. Suryakumar Yadav played an unbelievable innings. I am sure he has got a great future," Gambhir said.

Suryakumar Yadav of Kolkata Knight Riders celebrates with teammate Piyush Chawla. Photograph: BCCI

Former Mumbai Indians player Suryakumar, who stitched a 38-run sixth-wicket partnership with Yusuf Pathan (21), said that Yusuf at the other end provided a lot of support.

"Initially I was thinking of giving strike to Yusuf but he told me to play my natural game," said the 24-year-old player.

It was a great team effort in the 3-wicket win as bowlers Sunil Narine (4-31) and left-arm Kuldeep Yadav (4-24) also played their to contain the Scorchers to 151 for seven in 20 overs. Gambhir credited the team work for the good showing.

"Kuldeep Yadav also did a great job. We needed someone who can complement Sunil, he is someone who can. Piyush (Chawla) has also bowled well. We have used Yusuf Pathan also very cleverly, it might help him produce runs. He has been hitting the ball well. Overall we are looking good. There is a lot of hunger in the dressing room," added Gambhir.

Craig Simmons of Perth Scorchers and Adam Voges captain of Perth Scorchers. Photograph: BCCI

Meanwhile Perth skipper Adam Voges, whose unbeaten 71 went in vein after the Big Bash champions failed to defend their 151, was heartbroken with the loss.

"We have had two close games. Unfortunately came out on the wrong side tonight. We missed our lengths in that over (19th). We took wickets but they took the game away from us in that over. We knew we were in the game with 150. But with their strong line-up they keep coming at you," Voges said.

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