On a hot afternoon at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Kolkata Knight Riders produced an all-around performance to register an emphatic 59-run win over Delhi Capitals.
After being put to bat first, the Knight Riders were dented early in the innings and found themselves reeling at 42/3 in eight overs.
Coming in at number five, Sunil Narine joined Nitish Rana as the duo steadied the innings. Rana was coming into this game after enduring a personal loss of his father-in-law, who passed away, a day before this clash. The 27-year-old looked determined to make the most of the opportunity and take the side through to a fighting first innings total.
Watch Rana's 81 off 53 balls:
Video hosted on BCCI / www.iplt20.com website
Along with our mystery spinner, he forged a crucial 115 run partnership for the fourth wicket to help the team post 194 in their allotted 20 overs. While Rana anchored the innings with a matured 81 off 53 balls, Narine provided the team with firepower in the middle overs.
He smashed a blistering 64 off 32 balls with runs all around the park to propel the team to a massive first innings total of 194.
Watch Narine's swashbuckling 64 off 32 balls
Video hosted on BCCI / www.iplt20.com website
While defending the total, Varun Chakaravarthy weaved his magic to pick up his maiden five-wicket haul and ensured the Knight Riders recorded a thumping 59-run win.
Watch Varun Chakaravarthy's fifer:
Video hosted on BCCI / www.iplt20.com website
