Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Eoin Morgan has heaped praise on Sunil Narine after they defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by four wickets at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday to book their place in the second qualifier against Delhi Capitals. Narine was the architect of the team’s win as he scalped four wickets and conceded 21 runs in his quota of four overs and thus helped KKR in restricting RCB to an under-par score of 138 runs.
Narine got the big wickets of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell to push RCB on the backfoot. Furthermore, he played a little cameo of 26 runs off just 15 balls to give the much-needed impetus in the run-chase.
Narine smashed three sixes on the first three legal deliveries he faced and got the required run-rate below six with his blistering batting. Furthermore, Narine became the first player to take four wickets and score more than 25 runs in a playoff game.
Morgan added Narine is a true legend of T20 cricket and lauded the veteran for his all-around performance. Narine was the difference between the two sides and he was able to bring his best in the all-important match.
Eoin Morgan was delighted with the performance of his team and lauded Narine for his match-winning renditions.
Eoin Morgan said in the post-match presentation, “He makes it look very very easy [Narine]. On an improved wicket in Sharjah, he bowled outstandingly. Throughout the innings, we continued to take wickets to post the first six overs. Then in the chase, being in control the whole time doesn’t allow you to breathe as a defending side. Don’t have to do a lot of moving [so many spinners]. Huge privilege. When it comes off like that it looks quite strong and deep.
The way the wicket played we thought we have to bat quite deep. Onwards and upwards for us. For us it’s a matter of coming back, adjusting and seeing what the wicket does. Looking forward to it. The cricket that we have played and the consistency we have shown has surprised everybody. He’s a true legend of T20 cricket and we’re delighted to have him [Narine]”.
Kolkata has turned the tables in the second phase as they now have won six out of the eight games. KKR will face Delhi Capitals in the second qualifier on Wednesday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
