Kolkata (PTI): After losing their fourth match on the trot, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Sourav Ganguly on Tuesdayblamed the side's batting, saying his bowlers had to contend with small totals all through.

"Right through the tournament, we had to defend small totals. Umar Gul bowled well. But Yusuf (Pathan) took the game away from us," Ganguly said after the Eden Gardens match that has reduced the Knight Riders' semi-final hopes to a flicker.

Ganguly, however, was gracious in defeat.

"The best side won. We will try to win the next two matches and see what happens," he said.

The Knight Riders play an away game against Delhi Daredevils on Thursday before taking on Kings' XI Punjab on their home ground on Sunday.

Victorious Rajasthan Royals skipper Shane Warne praised the unfinished 81-run fifth wicket partnership between man-of-the-match Pathan and Mohammed Kaif.

Delighted with his team making the cut for the semi-finals, Warne said his bowlers' success in restricting the Kolkata team to 30-odd runs in the opening six overs won the game for the Royals.