NEW DELHI: Sunil Narine’s brilliant all-round display helped Kolkata Knight Riders secure a crucial 14-run victory against Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday. His impactful contribution included 27 runs from 16 deliveries and exceptional bowling figures of 3-29.
Despite Faf du Plessis’s valiant effort of 62 runs off 45 balls for Delhi, they couldn’t achieve the target. The hosts struggled to maintain partnerships throughout their innings.
Delhi currently occupies the fourth position in the 10-team standings, whilst defending champions Kolkata remain seventh with four victories and five losses. The tournament structure allows the top four teams to advance to the play-offs.
Following Abishek Porel’s early dismissal, du Plessis counter-attacked for Delhi. However, Narine’s direct hit to run out KL Rahul left Delhi struggling at 60-3. Du Plessis, returning from injury, reached his half-century in 31 deliveries and constructed a 76-run partnership with captain Axar Patel, who scored a quick 43.
Narine dismantled Delhi’s hopes by dismissing Axar, Tristan Stubbs, and du Plessis in quick succession. Vipraj Nigam’s spirited 38 from 19 balls kept Delhi in contention until Andre Russell claimed his wicket in the final over.
Earlier, Narine and Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided Kolkata a rapid start with 48 runs in three overs. Narine commenced with a six off Dushmantha Chameera, and the pair accumulated 25 runs in the second over. Starc subsequently dismissed Gurbaz for 26.
Nigam and Axar struck back for Delhi, removing Narine and Ajinkya Rahane respectively. Young Angkrish Raghuvanshi (44) demonstrated resilience and established a 61-run partnership with Rinku Singh.
Chameera prevented Raghuvanshi from reaching fifty, while Nigam ended Rinku’s innings at 36. Russell, celebrating his 37th birthday, helped the team surpass 200 with a six off Starc, who responded by taking two wickets in consecutive deliveries in the final over.
Starc trapped Rovman Powell lbw and bowled Anukul Roy for nought, with Chameera completing a spectacular diving catch in the deep.
