The third match of the marquee event of cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed hosts Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face southern heavyweights Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens on Sunday night.
After winning the toss, the hosts made the batting heavy RCB side to bat. The crowds were treated with a flurry of boundaries from the bat of Brendon McCullum and AB de Villiers owing to the onslaught.
The finishing touch was provided by Mandeep Singh, who bolstered RCB’s total to a competitive 176.
Chasing a challenging total, Sunil Narine continued from where he left off during the previous season with yet another 17-ball 50.
After a bit of a wobble in the middle, captain Dinesh Karthik and Nitish Rana helped their side to clinch a couple of points – to register themselves at the points table.
In addition, Sunil Narine claimed a Man of the Match award for his all-round efforts which took the game away.
“It’s good to get the ball rolling in the first game. The support staff and everyone giving me a chance to open the batting” suggested the West Indian during the post-match presentation.
On the Kolkata pitch assisting the seamers more than spinners, Narine affirmed:
“Whatever role the teams wants to play, I’m happy to do it. It’s a good cricket wicket, whatever you do on the field, it’s gonna benefit you.”
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