Shah to the fore in IPL opener

Angelo Mathews helped Owais Shah rescue Kolkata's innings from the depths of 31 for four with a 104-run stand

Angelo Mathews and Owais Shah cracked crucial unbeaten half-centuries as Kolkata Knight Riders kicked off the third edition of the Indian Premier League with an 11-run victory over reigning champions Deccan Chargers in Mumbai.

Mathews hit an unbeaten 65 and England batsman Shah 58 not out as the Knight Riders, who finished bottom of the table in the last edition, recovered from a poor start to finish with a respectable 161 for four.

Deccan began in sensational fashion when Chaminda Vaas, who last played a Twenty20 international in September 2007, sent down a rare double-wicket maiden in his first over.

But Shah, coming in at 31 for four, opened up by depositing Andrew Symonds for a six over square-leg in the 15th over and exploded with a flurry of big shots in the final overs. He and Mathews amassed 104 runs in the second half of the innings.

In reply, Adam Gilchrist clobbered 54 off only 35 deliveries to leave Deccan well in control of the chase, but regular wickets saw them slide behind the run-rate and finish 150 for seven.