NEW DELHI: Sunil Narine turns 37 next month and has been a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders for more than a decade but the Trinidadian is showing no signs of slowing down after delivering a match-winning performance in the Indian Premier League on Tuesday.
Narine made his Kolkata debut in 2012, quickly impressing with his pinch-hitting ability and spin bowling; and both were on full display when he scored a breezy 27 and took 3-29 in a 14-run win against Delhi which rekindled their playoff hopes.
Chasing 205, hosts Delhi were cruising at 130-3 in 13 overs but Narine’s three-wicket burst turned the match on its head.
The spinner dismissed Axar Patel (43) and Faf du Plessis (62) and got rid of the dangerous Tristan Stubbs to derail Delhi’s chase.
“He’s been a champion bowler for this franchise,” Kolkata captain Ajinkya Rahane said after their fourth win in 10 matches. “He’s been working really hard, coming early for the practice sessions, bowling for hours and hours in the nets.”
Narine also ran out Capitals batter KL Rahul with a direct throw and was the obvious choice for player of the match. — Reuters
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