150 IPL wickets for Sunil Narine: Decoding the numbers
On Thursday, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) succumbed to a four wicket loss against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 41st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. However, Caribbean spinner Sunil Narine shone with figures of 1/19 and bowled at an economy of 4.80. In the process, he raced to 150 wickets in the cash-rich league. Here, we decode Narine's numbers in IPL.
Narine chips in with figures worth 1/19 against DC
Batting first, KKR aggregated 146/9 in 20 overs. Left-handed batter Nitish Rana's blistering 57 propelled the KKR to a competitive total. In response, Delhi Capitals chased down the target in 19 overs, riding on David Warner (42) and Rovman Powell's (33*) fiery shows. While veteran pacer Umesh Yadav pocketed a three-fer, Narine slowed DC's run-chase, grabbing figures of 1/19.
Why does this story matter?
Narine's enigmatic performances have been a talking point since his arrival in IPL. His spells continue to baffle the rivals. A two-time IPL winner with the Knight Riders (2012 and 2014), Narine continues to be their go-to man in clutch situations. While Narine's efficiency has taken a hit on the wicket-taking front, he has still managed to reach the mighty 150-wicket tally in IPL.
How has Narine fared in IPL 2022?
Narine has claimed seven wickets in nine matches this season at 27.29. He is the most economical bowler in the season underway (5.30) His figures in the last five matches read 1/19 vs DC, 0/31 vs GT, 2/21 vs RR, 0/23 vs SRH, and 2/21 vs DC. Overall, Narine has pocketed 150 wickets in 143 matches at 24.66. He has an economy of 6.65.
A look at Narine's note-worthy feats
Narine has received the "Player of the Match" award on 12 occasions. He has a hat-trick in IPL which he pinned down versus PBKS in Mohali in 2013. He dismissed the likes of David Hussey, Azhar Mahmood, and Gurkeerat Singh. In the IPL, Narine was adjudged the Player of the Tournament in 2012 and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2018.
Narine equals Harbhajan Singh's tally
Narine is tied alongside Harbhajan Singh among the highest wicket-takers in the tournament (150). Dwayne Bravo (181), Lasith Malinga (170), Amit Mishra (166), Yuzvendra Chahal (157), Piyush Chawla (157), R Ashwin (152), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (151) rank above him.
How have KKR fared this season?
KKR have captured just three wins from nine outings. They have lost five matches in succession. KKR's last win was against Mumbai Indians, which was their fourth match of this season. They are currently seated at the eighth spot in the standings. They have an NRR of -0.006. Up next, KKR will face Rajasthan Royals on May 2 (Monday).
Second bowler to claim 150-plus wickets for a single side
Narine is the highest wicket-taker for the Knight Riders in IPL (150). He ranks second only to Lasith Malinga (170) among the highest wicket-takers for a single franchise in the cash-rich league. Malinga pocketed all his wickets for five-time winners Mumbai Indians. Meanwhile, Dwayne Bravo follows Narine, having claimed the most number of wickets for CSK in the history of IPL (138).
