Australian batsman Brad Hodge smashed 44 off 29 balls and fast bowler Amit Singh grabbed two wickets in as many balls to lead Rajasthan Royals to a comfortable 22-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League on Sunday.

Hodge was the biggest contributor to the Royals’ competitive total of 5-164 with Ashok Maneria adding an invaluable 40.

Manoj Tiwary fought a lone battle and scored 59 off 49 balls as Knight Riders were restricted to 9-142.

Knight Riders were forced to play a catch-up game after Singh removed Jacques Kallis and captain Gautum Gambhir off successive deliveries and leftarm spinner Ankeet Chavan made it 8-3 by having Brendon McCullum plumb leg before wicket.

It was the Royals’ second successive win, having beaten Kings XI Punjab in the first match.