IPL 2025: Narine’s Remarkable All-Round Performance Leads KKR to Victory Over CSK
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Synopsis
In an impressive display, Sunil Narine's all-round performance, including 3-13 and 44 runs, led Kolkata Knight Riders to a dominant eight-wicket victory against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. The match, held at MA Chidambaram Stadium, saw CSK struggle with their lowest total at the venue.
Key Takeaways
- Sunil Narine's all-round contribution was key to KKR's success.
- CSK's batting faltered, resulting in their lowest IPL total at Chepauk.
- KKR chased down the target with 59 balls remaining.
- This match marked CSK's largest defeat in terms of balls left in IPL history.
- KKR's victory also improved their net run rate significantly.
Chennai, April 11 (NationPress) Sunil Narine delivered an outstanding all-round performance, taking 3-13 in his four overs and then blasting an exhilarating 44, as an impressive Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) decisively defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by eight wickets in a lopsided encounter of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.
On a pitch with black soil that favored spinners from the start, Narine, along with Varun Chakaravarthy and Moeen Ali, collectively claimed six wickets, leaving CSK's batting lineup struggling at a dismal 103/9, marking their lowest IPL score at Chepauk.
In response, thanks to Narine's fireworks and some overly full deliveries from CSK bowlers, KKR comfortably chased the meager total with 59 balls remaining. This defeat also marked CSK's largest margin of loss in IPL history in terms of balls left, as they faced their fifth consecutive loss, a first in their franchise history.
KKR started strong, with Narine and Quinton de Kock hitting sixes off Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj. Notably, CSK managed just one six in their entire innings, while KKR scored two maximums in the first seven balls of their chase.
De Kock was unstoppable, hitting two sixes off Khaleel. Even the introduction of Ravichandran Ashwin failed to change CSK's fortunes as Narine struck a four and then sent a carrom ball soaring over deep square leg for six.
However, de Kock's attempt to hit Kamboj over the leg-side ended with him losing his wicket for 23. Ajinkya Rahane showcased elegance with his drives and flicks, while Narine continued his successful run with a four and a six off Khaleel.
Narine didn't relent against Ashwin either, hitting two sixes. Though he was eventually bowled by Noor Ahmad for 44, Rahane and Rinku Singh hastened the chase, securing a significant victory and enhancing their net run rate.
Brief scores:
Chennai Super Kings 103/9 in 20 overs (Shivam Dube 31 not out, Vijay Shankar 29; Sunil Narine 3-13, Harshit Rana 2-16) lost to Kolkata Knight Riders 107/2 in 10.1 overs (Sunil Narine 44, Quinton de Kock 23; Noor Ahmad 1-8, Anshul Kamboj 1-19) by eight wickets
