Sunil Narine hit his maiden century of his T20 career in match 31 of the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League against Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens, on April 16 (Tuesday). He became the third batter for KKR to hit a century in IPL after Brendon McCullum (2008) and Venkatesh Iyer (2023). He is also the fifth centurion of this season after Virat Kohli, Jos Buttler, Rohit Sharma, and Travis Head.
Sunil Narine rattles Rajasthan Royals
The veteran all-rounder stole the show in Eden Gardens with his maiden T20 ton. Before this knock, Narine was not even on the list of top 20 batters in the Orange cap race but the century brought him in the top 3. He completed his fifty in just 29 balls and then only took 20 more balls to reach his century.
Narine's astonishing knock came to an end in the 18th over. Trent Boult clean-bowled him to end his innings with 109 runs off just 56 balls. He not only provided KKR a good start but batted almost till the end and ensured that the Knights reach a great total.
KKR lost Phil Salt in the fourth over itself but after that, Narine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi joined a crucial 85-run partnership. Knights lost wickets on intervals but the Windies all-rounder ensured that the run rate didn't come down and did not allow the pressure to get to the hosts.
Knights eye top spot on points table
KKR and RR are battling in a fight to get the top spot in the standings. Currently, RR are in the number 1 position but if KKR beat them they will automatically jump over them despite having the same points as they have a better net run rate.
Knights were asked to bat first after the Royals won the toss. However, the decision backfired on them as KKR posted 223/6 in 20 overs and it won't be an easy task for RR to chase it.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
