Sunil Narine delivered a standout all-round performance to help Kolkata (KKR) secure a tense victory

Sunil Narine's impact in KKR’s tense win over DC was nothing short of dramatic and multifaceted. After an uncharacteristically expensive start with the ball — 2.1 overs for 25 runs — and with Varun Chakravarthy also being taken apart (3-0-31-0), it looked like Delhi Capitals had neutralized KKR's spin threats in a high-stakes chase of 205. But the match turned sharply when Narine and Chakravarthy staged a stunning comeback, combining for 5 wickets for just 12 runs in their final 17 deliveries. This collapse derailed DC's chase and brought KKR back from the brink. Narine, unexpectedly thrust into the captaincy due to injuries to both Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer, rose to the occasion. His direct-hit run-out of KL Rahul from short fine leg showcased his awareness and athleticism. Despite being taken for three sixes by a one-handed Axar Patel, Narine had the last laugh — dismissing Axar, Tristan Stubbs, and Faf du Plessis in a critical passage of play that saw DC crumble from a strong 136 for 3 to a precarious 190 for 9. His all-round contribution — tactically, athletically, and with the ball — turned what looked like a certain loss into a dramatic comeback victory, reigniting KKR's title defence hopes. Kolkata Knight Riders 204 for 9 (Raghuvanshi 44, Starc 3-43, Axar 2-27) beat Delhi Capitals 190 for 9 (Du Plessis 62, Axar 43, Narine 3-29) by 14 runs