Narine, Russell deliver big as KKR steal nail-biter

Sun, May 10, '15

KOLKATA, India (CMC) – Champion off-spinner Sunil Narine made a timely return to his brilliant best, combining with his equally superb West Indies teammate Andre Russell, to propel Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Kings XI Punjab with one ball to spare here Saturday.

Playing at Eden Gardens, Kings XI stormed to 183 for five off their 20 overs, with the embattled Narine grabbing four for 19 from his four overs.

In turmoil at 83 for four in the 11th over, KKR were blasted out of trouble by Russell who top-scored with 51 off 21 deliveries, to earn the man-of-the-match honour.

The victory lifted KKR to the top of the Indian Premier League standings with 15 points, one clear of Chennai Super Kings.
More importantly, the game confirmed the return to form of Narine who has struggled for effectiveness with a remodelled action, after being thrice reported for having an illegal bowling action.

In fact, he was only on Thursday cleared by the IPL, and celebrated by producing a brilliant spell yesterday.