Sunil Narine-inspired Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) came all guns blazing and thrashed Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 98 runs in their IPL 2024 clash at the Ekana stadium on May 5, Sunday.
KKR move to top of the points table
Courtesy to this win, KKR have displaced Rajasthan Royals (RR) from top of the IPL 2024's points table. With this win KKR are perched on top with 16 points in 11 matches followed by RR on second with as many points but with inferior Net Run Rate (NRR) of 0.622 as compared to Kolkata's 1.453. Meanwhile LSG have dropped to fifth place from third after this fresh defeat.
KKR rode on Sunil Narine's lightning 81 off 39 which steered them to a colossal total of 235/6. In reply, LSG were restricted to mere 137 runs, thanks to three-fers from Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy. Narine too chipped with a wicket while Andre Russell dazzled with two scalps to quickly wrap up LSG's innings. Marcus Stoinis remained the top scorer for the losing side as he scored 36 off 27.
LSG's batting collapse
Chasing a mammoth target of 236 set by KKR, LSG's batting line-up faltered throughout their innings.
KL Rahul (25 off 21) failed to convert a promising start into a big score, falling prey to the spin of Harshit Rana. Marcus Stoinis (36 off 21) emerged as the lone bright spark for LSG, playing some aggressive shots and keeping their hopes alive during the powerplay (55 runs – second-best for LSG in IPL 2024). However, Andre Russell dismissed him with a well-directed delivery, effectively derailing the chase.
Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, and Ashton Turner managed scores in the double digits but were unable to build any substantial partnerships. Sunil Narine, the hero with the bat earlier (81 off 38), continued his brilliance with a bowling spell of 4-0-22-1, including the crucial wicket of Badoni.
Harshit Rana, returning from a one-match suspension, picked up 3 wickets for 24 runs, further tightening the grip on LSG. Varun Chakravarthy (3-0-30-3) continued his impressive form, making life difficult for the Lucknow batsmen.
Narine Explodes with 81, Powers KKR to 235/6
Ealier, Sunil Narine continued his dominant form in the IPL, scorching an 81 off just 38 deliveries against the LSG. His innings, a masterclass in power-hitting, propelled the Kolkata Knight Riders to a formidable total of 235 for six wickets. Narine wasted no time in setting the tone for KKR's innings. He launched an assault on the LSG bowling attack, smashing five boundaries in a row – two fours off Naveen-ul-Haq followed by three boundaries in quick succession against Mohsin Khan. This early onslaught, coupled with some dropped catches, allowed Narine to reach his fifty in a mere 27 balls.
Partnering with Phil Salt (32), Narine provided KKR with the explosive start they craved. Their 61-run opening partnership laid a solid foundation before Naveen-ul-Haq dismissed Salt. Even after the dismissal, the unfazed Narine continued his rampage, particularly targeting Marcus Stoinis with three sixes in a single over.
However, Ravi Bishnoi, the bowler who had previously dropped Narine twice, finally got his revenge, dismissing the dangerous batsman. Despite Narine's departure, KKR batters like Angkrish Raghuvanshi (32) and Rinku Singh (16) kept the scoreboard ticking.
The LSG bowlers fought back, taking wickets at regular intervals. Naveen-ul-Haq, Yudhvir Singh (concussion substitute for Mohsin Khan), and Yash Thakur all chipped in with crucial wickets. However, a late cameo from Ramandeep Singh (25 not out off 6 balls) ensured KKR crossed the 230-run mark, putting significant pressure on the Lucknow team in the chase.
KKR will now face Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 11 while LSG will next take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 8.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Big blow to CSK; star pacer returns home due to injury ahead of IPL 2024 playoffs
IPL 2024: Legendary Sunil Gavaskar lauds Mohammed Siraj's ‘self-belief and never-say-die attitude’
