Batsmen all over the world struggle to score runs because of the mystery in his bowling against Sunil Narine. (image: Instagram)
The West Indies cricketer, who celebrates his 34th birthday today, recently became the first overseas spinner to take 150 wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Sunil Narine is one of the most decorated spinners in the history of T20 cricket. Batsmen across the world struggle to score runs against Narine as he brings mystery to his bowling. The West Indies cricketer, who celebrates his 34th birthday today, recently became the first overseas spinner to take 150 wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Naren holds the record of taking 170 wickets for KKR.
Apart from his dangerous bowling, Narine has also demonstrated his batting. At times, his quick-witted innings led KKR to victory. He has been one of the most reliable all-rounders for the franchise.
On the occasion of his birthday, let’s take a look at some of Naren’s memorable performances in the IPL:
- 5/19 vs KXIP, 2012
This is Naren’s best figure so far in IPL. Back in 2012, during KKR’s clash with Punjab, the spinner restricted the opponents to 134/9 in 20 overs. He bowled 14 dot balls in 4 overs 5-19. This was his first match at the Eden Gardens and even though KKR lost the game by 2 runs, Narine was awarded the Player of the Match for his magical performance. - 4/13 vs DD, 2013
Once again Narine’s spin restricted Delhi to 128 runs in 20 overs. The off-spinner took the wicket of the dangerous David Warner, who was playing at the age of 21, but he also rioted through the tail, restricting the team to a par score. KKR won the match by 6 wickets and once again the spinner was awarded the player of the match. - 3/33 Vs KXIP, 2013
In this match, Narine registered his first hat-trick in IPL. Narine left the Kings XI Punjab batsmen stunned with his bowling as he dismissed David Hussey, Azhar Mahmood and Gurkeerat Singh in successive deliveries. Well, Kolkata lost the match marginally, but Naren’s efforts made a special place in our hearts. - 54 of 17 vs RCB, 2017
Narine’s batting skills were on display in this game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). His innings of 54 runs in 17 runs had 6 fours and 4 maximum. Narine completed his half-century in just 15 balls and started with Chris Lynn for 105 runs. Riding on his efforts, Kolkata won by 6 wickets. In the same match, Narine also took 2 wickets for 29 runs. - 64 of 32 vs DC, 2020
Considering the difficult conditions and lengthy boundaries in Abu Dhabi, it was one of Naren’s most astonishing innings. Coming to bat at No. 5, the all-rounder smashed the Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack. He scored 6 fours and maximum 4 runs. Narine’s brilliant performance took KKR to 195-6 in 20 overs, while Delhi could only manage 135 runs in reply.
Get all the latest updates cricket news, cricket pictures, cricket videos, IPL 2022 Live Updates And cricket score Here