KKR Pull Off Thrilling 14-Run Win Over DC as Narine Orchestrates Comeback
In a thriller dominated by a series of twists, it was Sunil Narine's leadership from the back and strategic genius that helped turn the game for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) when they registered a thrilling 14-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) on Tuesday. The game-changer occurred during the middle of DC's pursuit, when KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane hurt his hand attempting to deflect a furious shot by Faf du Plessis in the 12th over. With Rahane out of action, Narine took charge quietly a position he held with calm authority.
Narine, who has been part of the franchise for more than 15 years, made his presence as a leader felt right away. His first big decision was recalling Varun Chakaravarthy, who had been costly in his first outing, giving away 22 runs off two overs without a wicket. But Narine relied on his spin partner, and Chakaravarthy repaid him by giving away merely nine runs in the 13th over, keeping DC at 130/3. By that time, DC required only 75 runs from 42 balls with a settled Axar Patel (37*) and Faf du Plessis (59*) looking to steal the game away.
Then arrived Narine's time. Picking the ball himself for the 14th over, he was immediately tested by Axar, who dispatched the first ball for a six. But Narine adapted quickly, altering the trajectory and outfoxing the DC skipper. Axar, who had a hand injury, was caught off a sharp ball at extra cover by Harshit Rana. It was Narine's fourth IPL dismissal of Axar. From there, DC started to disintegrate.
In the last ball of the very same over, Narine bowled back Tristian Stubbs, turning South African around his legs. Two wickets for eight runs in the over and Narine had turned the momentum of the game. The chances of the game being won by KKR were 45% prior to the 14th over and they increased to 72% at the close of the same.
Despite having an over left from Chakaravarthy, Narine chose to bowl himself out a decision that reaped dividends. He started the 16th over by removing the in-form Faf du Plessis, who was looking dangerous at 62. Narine gave away only two runs in that over and finished with match-winning figures of 3 for 29.
Chakaravarthy came back in the 18th over to put the game away, taking two more wickets as DC's pursuit fell apart. From 130/3, they caved under pressure and were kept well short of the required target.
KKR's 14-run victory keeps their playoff hopes alive, but importantly, it also highlighted the quiet genius of Sunil Narine—who came forward as leader when his side needed him most, without drama, and in complete control.
