Kolkata Knight Riders batter Andre Russell revealed that his compatriot Sunil Narine gave him good motivation to come out and smash it against Delhi Capitals after their 106-run victory at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.
Narine gave a perfect start to KKR as he was able to hit the ground running, completing his fifty off just 21 balls. The southpaw played a key role in helping KKR score 88 runs in the Powerplay overs. Narine also added 104 runs with debutant Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who scored a fine knock of 54 off just 27 balls.
The left-hander smashed seven fours and as many sixes in his blistering knock of 85 runs off just 39 balls. Thus, the platform was set and Russell was promoted to bat at number four.
Russell continued his good form, scoring 41 runs off just 19 balls with the help of four fours and three maximums. Ergo, the two West Indians played a key role in helping KKR post 272 runs on the board.
Speaking to Sunil Narine on IPL official website, Russell said, “You (Narine) gave me a good motivation to come out and smash it. But I decided to take a few deliveries, picking up the pace of the wicket. I was happy that Gambhir gave me the opportunity as well. The most important thing is we win by a 100-plus runs so that’s good for our run-rate.”
Narine, on the other hand, admitted that it was not a cakewalk to start the innings on a high with DC bowlers getting swing.
“Starting, it was tough. They were getting swing and you were studying where the boundary was coming from. Once you connect with one or two balls, it forces the bowlers to bowl in different areas and then everything came a little easier.”
Russell and Narine also hailed debutant Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who impressed in his maiden IPL match.
“I am just happy for a young man on debut who played with confidence, and play the way he did. To do it in front of an amazing owner like Shahrukh, that’s going to boost his confidence going forward in this tournament. So very happy for him,” Andre Russell said.
“I think the young guy Angkrish, he has been showing his talent and what he can do in the nets. He works hard, he bats long, and keeps growing from strength to strength.”
KKR will next take on Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Monday.
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