Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to send all-rounder Sunil Narine as opener proved to be a game-changer as his explosive knock led the side to a big win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in their IPL 2024 match on Friday. Narine looked in sublime form as he battered the RCB pacers to score 47 off just 22 deliveries. Narine had earlier credited Gautam Gambhir with promoting him to the top of the batting order in the 2017 season and over the years he has won several matches with his knocks. Gambhir, who is currently KKR’s mentor, was visibly excited when Narine hit Yash Dayal for a six and his reaction went viral on social media.
A brutal fifty from Venkatesh Iyer acted as a catalyst for Kolkata Knight Riders’ smooth seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL match on Friday.
Venkatesh’s 50 off 30 balls (3×4, 4×6) and stunning blitzes from openers Sunil Narine (47, 22b, 2×4, 5×6) and Phil Salt (30, 20b, 2×4, 2×6) propelled the Knight Riders past the 183-run target set by the RCB set up a set for them, built around Virat Kohli’s skillful unbeaten 83.
In a welcome sight after the match, Kohli and KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir, who were not the best of friends, were seen hugging each other.
— The Game Changer (@TheGame_26) March 30, 2024
The KKR batters never got bogged down by a slow delivery or by RCB bowlers as they hunted for the target in just 16.5 overs.
Their approach that night was best exemplified by Venkatesh, who is doing his best to regain his relevance in white-ball formats, who added 75 runs for the third wicket with skipper Shreyas Iyer (39 not out).
The left-hander found his range from the start, while pacer Alzarri Joseph bore the brunt of his aggressive intentions.
He quickly smashed the West Indian for 20 runs in an over that featured two sixes over cover and mid-wicket and a sent four to third man, in addition to a leg-bye boundary.
Shreyas, who was dropped at five by Yash Dayal off the very impressive local pacer Vysakh Vijayakumar (1/23), was just in the supporting role tonight.
But for that sharp victory, KKR should thank Narine and Salt profusely, who subdued RCB bowlers in the Power Play with astonishing power-hitting.
“I’m not expecting much. The season has just started and we have only two wins so far. We have to embrace this and enjoy each other’s successes,” Shreyas said during the post-match presentation.
(With PTI inputs)
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