Sunil Narine celebrates his 36th birthday today on May 26, 2024. (Images: sunilnarine24/Instagram)
Happy Birthday Sunil Narine: This year, the West Indies all-rounder’s performance has been key to KKR becoming the first team to find a place in the IPL 2024.
A loyal member of the Kolkata Knight Riders family, Sunil Narine celebrates his 36th birthday today, May 26. The West Indies all-rounder has been one of the last remaining old guards of the Kolkata-based franchise since making his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut in 2009. As part of the Knights, Narine has won the title twice in 2012 and 2014. Today is another chance for Narine to make his birthday extra special by winning IPL 2024 trophy in final today against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
When in his prime, the Caribbean star was widely considered to be an unplayable off-spinner. In recent times, Narine, however, has earned recognition as a destructive opener, showcasing his batting prowess in many IPL matches.
This year, his performance has been key to KKR becoming the first team to find a place in the final of the franchise tournament.
On the occasion of his birthday, let’s take a look at the top innings of Sunil Narine in the 2024 IPL:
109 vs Rajasthan Royals (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
When KKR lost the wicket of Phil Salt at 21 runs in the fourth over, a few might have predicted the two-time champions would wrap their innings with a 200-plus score. That’s when Sunil Narine stepped up and changed the fate of the game with a blazing century. He took only 56 balls to register 109 runs, striking as many as 13 boundaries and six maximums.
The star all-rounder shone with the ball as well. He picked two wickets while conceding 30 runs in his four-over spell. The efforts ultimately went in vain as a 107-run knock by Jos Buttler helped RR notch a two-wicket victory in the high-scoring contest.
81 vs Lucknow Super Giants (Ekana Sports City, Lucknow)
Sunil Narine slammed his first half-century of the 2024 IPL in an away clash against LSG. The right-handed batter registered 81 runs off 39 balls, helping KKR to breach the 140-run mark in 12 overs. The team posted 235 on the board and notched a comfortable 98-run win in the game. Narine took one wicket, dismissing LSG batter Ayush Badoni to end his spell at 1/22.
71 vs Punjab Kings (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
Sunil Narine’s second fifty in this IPL came on a losing cause. In a home game against PBKS, the KKR opener smashed 71 runs and stitched a 140-run partnership with Philip Salt. The Caribbean power-hitter recorded nine fours and four sixes during his 32-ball innings as KKR produced 261 in 20 overs. It looked like an easy deal for the hosts but Jonny Bairstow turned the wheels with an unbeaten 108. PBKS finally emerged victorious, securing a dominant eight-run win in the thrilling clash.
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