Sunil Narine Carves T20 History with Milestone in KKR’s Thrilling Win Over DC
In a night that will be etched in the annals of T20 cricket, veteran all-rounder Sunil Narine delivered a breathtaking performance to lead Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a pulsating 14-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday. This win keeps KKR’s playoff aspirations alive in the highly competitive IPL 2025 season.
Narine, the West Indian maestro, not only dazzled with bat and ball but also achieved a historic milestone by equalling Samit Patel’s record for the most wickets for a single team in men’s T20 cricket. With his tally now standing at 208 wickets for KKR, Narine shares the top spot with Patel, who achieved the same feat for Nottinghamshire. This landmark moment underscores Narine’s unwavering commitment and longevity with the Knight Riders since joining them in 2012.
Opting to bat first after DC captain Axar Patel won the toss, KKR roared to a fiery start, thanks to Narine’s explosive batting. The 36-year-old smashed 27 runs off just 16 balls, peppering the boundary with two towering sixes and two crisp fours. His aggressive intent set the tone, forming a rapid 48-run opening stand with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (26 off 12) in a mere three overs. Contributions from young sensation Angkrish Raghuvanshi (44 off 32) and the ever-reliable Rinku Singh (36 off 25) propelled KKR to a commanding total of 204 for 9.
Defending the imposing target, Narine transformed into a bowling wizard. In a game-changing spell, he struck gold in the 14th over by dismissing DC’s key batsmen Axar Patel (43 off 23) and the explosive Tristan Stubbs, just when the hosts seemed to gain momentum. Returning in the 16th over, Narine applied the final nail in the coffin by removing the well-set Faf du Plessis (62 off 45). His figures of 3 for 29 earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award, showcasing his ability to turn matches single-handedly.
Reflecting on his monumental achievement and the team’s triumph, Narine remained humble yet confident. ‘It was a complete team effort. I always back myself to bounce back and deliver. Some games start slow but end on a high. Every wicket is special to me—I just swing and bowl as hard as I can. Self-pride keeps me motivated, and I strive to be an option for my captain in clutch moments,’ he said post-match.
This vital win propels KKR to seventh place in the IPL 2025ポイント table with 9 points from 10 matches. With the mid-table battle heating up, every game is a do-or-die affair for the two-time champions as they cling to their playoff dreams. Narine’s form, coupled with the team’s collective resurgence, offers a glimmer of hope for KKR fans who have witnessed a rollercoaster season.
As Sunil Narine continues to defy age and rewrite record books, his legacy with KKR grows stronger. Will this T20 legend lead his side to another IPL title? Only time will tell, but for now, the cricketing world stands in awe of a true match-winner who refuses to fade away.