NEW DELHI: Sunil Narine‘s fiery 81 off 39 balls propelled Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a commanding 98-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), earning them the top spot in the IPL standings on Sunday.
Narine’s explosive innings, featuring six fours and seven sixes, led KKR to 235-6 after being asked to bat first in LSG’s final home game.
The two-time champions then bowled out LSG for 137 in 16.1 overs, securing their eighth win in 11 matches and nearly clinching a playoff spot.
Second-placed Rajasthan Royals have played one match fewer.
After the thumping victory, KKR pacer Harshit Rana stated that the team plans to maintain the same approach in their upcoming games.
“We don’t want to take anything lightly and this is the kind of approach we want to have to make it to the playoffs. The coaches told me to focus on hitting the hard lengths and I got rewards for doing the same,” Rana said.
“I keep working on the areas that I need to improve, it becomes very handy when he (Russell) comes in and picks those wickets during the middle overs and it helps in shifting the momentum as well,” Rana, who claimed three wickets in KKR’s win, added.
The top four teams will make the play-offs with the final on May 26 in Chennai.
KKR will next face Mumbai Indians on May 11.