KKR continue resurgence with win over Delhi Capitals
Kolkata Knight Riders have penetrated the top-four mark in the points table after defeating IPL favourites Delhi Capitals by three wickets in Sharjah.
Chasing 128 against one of the best bowling attacks in the league, the Knight Riders just managed to score 130/7 with 10 more balls to go.
Eoin Morgan’s men have now won three of their last four games since coming to the UAE for the tournament’s second phase.
After a horrendous start to the season where KKR lost easy games, they are en route to recovery so that a place in the playoffs can be booked.
Narine makes hay of Sharjah track
On a two-paced track and replacing gun all-rounder Andre Russell, Sunil Narine ensured a Man of the Match performance in both innings.
First, the Caribbean all-rounder dismissed two Delhi batters and conceded only 18 runs in his quota of four overs. Later, he came to Nitish Rana’s aid to make the run chase easier. He departed after a handy cameo of 21.
In the post-game interview, he credited the KKR bowling coach, Kyle Mills, for his improved performance.
“Watching a few games here, knew there’s a bit of spin here. Didn’t want to get too full. I’ve been through a lot,” Narine said. “Need to give credit to the bowling coach, that’s a plus and that’s been key for me to come back. Batting in the middle-order is challenging. It’s pleasing to see hard work paying off after a long time.”
Rana continues to shine
Nitish Rana has proved why the team management’s decision to demote him down the order has worked out for him extremely well. As an opener alongside Shubman Gill, the all-rounder had inconsistent outings and often failed to utilise the powerplay.
A series of failures forced Morgan to reshuffle the batting order. He was then deployed at No. 4 and 5, according to the match situation.
Morgan and Rana have been changing their slots. In the CSK game, Rana went at No. 5 and Morgan decided to go up the order. However, Rana was chosen for the No. 4 slot in today’s clash. He cashed in both opportunities and remained unbeaten with 30+ runs.
He has become a regular starter for the team, who has been utilised as a powerplay bowler in the UAE as well.
Morgan credits Baz for improved team performance
Morgan has admitted that playing two games in space of three days was tough for his men, but a strong mindset allowed them to make it big today.
“On a hot day, things can boil over,” he said after the game. “Thankfully it didn’t. We all played in the right spirit. And it’s a tough contest against Delhi Capitals. Full credit has to go to our coach Brendon McCullum. It’s his ethos, his mindset, and the boys have bought into that.”
