In what was a heart pounding match between the Delhi Capitals (DC) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), first – the 2025 IPL match between the two franchises will be remembered after KKR narrowly held on for a 14 run victory – in part, due one player emerging as a true all-rounder, Sunil Narine.
Match summary
- Stadium: Arun Jaitely Stadium, in Delhi.
- Result: KKR won by 14 runs
- KKR innings: 204/9 (20 overs)
- DC innings: 190/9 (20 overs)
Player of the Match:
Sunil Narine (27 runs off 16 balls and 3/29)
KKR started aggressively
KKR started quickly thanks to Sunil Narine and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who attacked the bowling scoring 48 runs in just under three overs. Narine scored a blistering 27 off 16 balls to help get the innings underway – the young batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi also gave support through the middle overs scoring 44 runs. KKR seemed to lose a few wickets late but managed to post a competitive total of 204 runs for 9 wickets.
Narine shone as the all-rounder
In all honesty, Sunil Narine’s batting performance was impressive, however it was Narine’s bowling which was so important. Narine decimated DC’s middle order, dismissing Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs and Faf du Plessis for a return of 3/29. Narine’s contribution was instrumental to KKR restricting their opponents total to 190 runs for 9 wickets.
DC played valiantly, but fell short
DCs response to chase for victory of 205 for victory was valiant. For DC, Faf du Plessis top-scored with 62 runs off 45 balls. Aside from a brisk 43 runs from Axar Patel, it was hard going for much of the innings as DC lost a few wickets in attempting to build partnerships. Some late theatrics from the exuberant Vipraj Nigam, scoring a lively 38 runs from just 19 balls, helped escort DC into the last over, only to see Andre Russell finally secure the last wicket of DC in time, thereby securing the 2 much-needed points for KKR.
Impact on the Points Table
Delhi Capitals – Remain in 4th place, and still have small playoff hopes.
These two franchises have now swapped places in the standings as KKR climbs to 7th place for now, providing its’ players and supporters hope that there still exists, the possibility, of securing a playoff position.
Last thought
In conclusion, this match re-iterated the fact that T20 in particular can be a fickle mistress – and the contribution and influence from one batsman can drastically alter a game. Sunil Narine emerged as a superb all rounder for KKR – and KKR’s value of having him in their side was laid bare this match.
What did you think about Narine’s performance? Do you think KKR can continue moving in this direction for their next match and possible consideration for a playoff position?
Feel free to leave your thoughts below!