West Indies cricketer Sunil Narine emerged as the star, propelling Kolkata Knight Riders to a monumental total of 272-7 against Delhi Capitals, securing a resounding 106-run victory in the IPL clash on Wednesday.
This extraordinary feat came just a week after Sunrisers Hyderabad notched up the highest ever IPL total of 277-3, adding to the escalating drama of the tournament.
Despite being IPL champions in 2012 and 2014, Kolkata's dominance this season seems unparalleled as they maintained an undefeated streak from three matches, bulldozing Delhi, who could only muster 166 runs in 17.2 overs, languishing at the bottom of the 10-team table.
Rishabh Pant, the skipper of Delhi, exhibited a valiant effort with a blistering 55 off 25 balls, marking his second consecutive fifty, while Tristan Stubbs contributed with a well-played 54.
However, the rest of Delhi's batting lineup faltered against Kolkata's formidable bowling attack.
The encounter took place at Delhi's adopted home ground due to the upcoming general elections in India, but it was Sunil Narine and Kolkata who claimed ownership of the venue with their stellar performance.
Reflecting on his outstanding contribution, Narine, predominantly known for his bowling prowess, expressed his satisfaction with his batting display, alongside his efficient bowling figures of 1-29 in his post-match interview, where he was rightfully named the Man of the Match.
Opening the batting, Narine unleashed havoc upon the Delhi attack, smashing seven fours and seven sixes in his 39-ball onslaught, registering his highest T20 score in his 501st match.
Notably, he pulverized Delhi seamer Ishant Sharma for 26 runs in a single over, reaching his fifty in just 21 balls and forming a formidable partnership of 104 runs with teenage debutant Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who also contributed with a commendable 54.
The onslaught continued even after Narine's departure, as Andre Russell stepped in with another brutal innings, scoring 41 off 19 balls. Rinku Singh joined the onslaught, threatening to surpass Hyderabad's record total with a quickfire 26 off just eight balls.
However, Kolkata fell just short of the record, despite an electrifying display featuring 18 sixes and 22 fours.
Delhi's chase never gained momentum, losing four wickets within the first five overs, including Marsh falling for a duck to Mitchell Starc, the most expensive buy in IPL history. Starc further tightened his grip by dismissing David Warner for 18, asserting his dominance over the Australian duo.
Pant and Stubbs tried to revive the innings with a 93-run partnership for the fifth wicket, but their efforts proved futile against Varun Chakravarthy's three-wicket haul and Vaibhav Arora's impactful contribution with the ball, claiming three wickets to seal Kolkata's comprehensive victory.
