The right-handed Lynn, who has the ability to smash ball hard and long, set Rajkot Stadium on fire, as he guided Kolkata Knight Riders alongside Gambhir to a comfortable 10-wicket win over Suresh Raina-led Gujarat Lions on Friday night.
Knight Riders chased down the target in 14.5 overs, thanks to explosive batting from Lynn and Gambhir to thrash hosts’ bowlers.
What a pure hitting from Chris Lynn, who has just arrived at the scene to entertain the spectators in the nutshell.
Lynn alongside skipper Gautam Gambhir, who played more like an anchor role at the other end made it a one-sided affair, as Lions used six bowlers in which five saw the economy of over ten.
Lynn, who brought his maiden IPL half-century in 19 balls scored remarkable 93* off 41 balls at the strike rate of 226.83.
The Queenslander’s knock was laced with eight sixes and six fours and on the other side, left-handed Gambhir remained unbeaten on 76 off 48 balls which included 12 splendid fours.
Lions looked caged in their den, as their bowlers were toyed by visitors openers with the variety of shots at display.
Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir won the toss and elector to field first against Gujarat Lions in match number three of the tenth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).
However, the hosts posted 183 on board for the loss of four wickets in 20 allotted overs.
The skipper of Gujarat Lions Suresh Raina led from the front, as he remained unbeaten on 68 off 51 balls.
The left-handed Raina’s knock was laced with seven boundaries, as he was equally supported by wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik, who scored 25-ball 47. His quickfire innings included six boundaries and two sixes at the strike rate of 188.
On the penultimate delivery of the first innings, Karthik was caught by Suryakumar Yadav of the bowling of New Zealand recruit Trent Boult.
On the other side, left-arm orthodox Kuldeep Yadav bowled exceptionally well against the good batting line up. The 22-year-old Yadav picked two wickets while giving away 25 runs in his four allocated overs.
In 11th over, Aaron Finch was dismissed by Kuldeep on 15 off eight balls as Suryakumar Yadav completed the catch.
With fast hands, Brendon McCullum posted 50 on board for the second wicket alongside Raina before trudging off the ground following the LBW dismissal.
The swashbuckling Brendon McCullum looked in his mood when he smashed the willow early on.
However, he was trapped in front by mystery bowler on 35 off 24 balls which included four boundaries and two sixes.
While batting first, Lions lose their first wicket, in the form of hard-hitting sensation Jason Roy (14 off 12 balls), who was caught by Yusuf Pathan when the ball almost juggled off from a bucket like hands.
Roy miscued a short which straight went up in the air, in the thirty-yard circle, on the bowling off leg-spinner Piyush Chawla.
Prior to this game, the fans were enthralled by performers over the podium with traditional dance which was followed by peppy Bollywood numbers amid lights and firecrackers.