MOHALI, India, CMC- West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine claimed the first hat-trick of the new Indian Premier League (IPL) season playing for defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders against Kings XI Punjab yesterday.
But Narine’s exceptional hat-track went in vain as Punjab made a stunning comeback to beat defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium.
Narine claimed the wickets of David Hussey, Azhar Mahmood, and Gurkeerat Singh in his three successive deliveries of his second over to leave KXIP reeling at 99 for six in the 15th over.
Australian Hussey got a thick edge to wicketkeeper Manvinder Bisla, Azhar Mahmood offered one of the simplest catches to Narine off his own bowling, and the third ball drew Gurkeerat forward but spun past his defence to knock off his off stump.
Narine’s efforts coupled with a whirlwind half-century from Guatam Gambhir but despite their efforts Punjab succeeded in squeezing out a four run win, their second from four games.
Initially, Punjab were all but dead and buried reeling under Narine’s hat-trick until Manpreet Gony with an 18-ball 42 pushed Kings XI to 157 for nine.
Gambhir hit 39-ball 60 and shared 105-run second wicket stand with Eion Morgan, (47 off 38) but Kolkata failed to approach 158-run target and managed 153-9 to lose their third game.
Meantime, West Indies pacer Ravi Rampaul played a crucial role in helping Royal Challengers Bangalore return to winning ways with a nailbiting win over Delhi Daredevils in a match that went to the Super Over.
Chris Gayle hit two sixes but was caught on 13 as RCB reached 152 for seven chasing Devils 152 for five. RCB were at one stage 129 for two as fans began celebrating in the stands before an incredible slump made the game a close contest.
RCB got 15 in the Super Over, thanks to two towering sixes by AB de Villiers off the final two balls from Umesh Yadav.
But Delhi’s reply was undone quickly when David Warner was dismissed off Ravi Rampaul’s first delivery.
Delhi could ultimately manage 11 in the Super Over.
