Lucknow Super Giants fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq on Sunday pointed out to Kolkata Knight Riders opener Sunil Narine’s innings as the reason for their overwhelming loss at home. Narine’s 81 from 39 balls helped KKR achieve a major 98 run victory over LSG at the Ekana Stadium on Sunday. Naveen said Narine’s innings coupled with LSG’s inability to do the things they have done in chases so far handed the win to KKR.
KKR on Sunday climbed to the top of the IPL table with a thumping win 98-run win over LSG. Batting first, KKR scored a massive 235 runs thanks to Narine’s blitzkrieg. LSG were bundle out for 137.
‘We didn’t bat well’
Speaking after the match, Naveen blamed LSG’s poor batting for the loss, claiming the wicket was the best to bat on at the Ekana Stadium till now.
“I think the wicket was quite good. The amount of games we have played here in Lucknow, this was the best wicket to bat on. We didn’t do the things we have done so far in chases. Like in Chepauk, we chased the score down but we couldn’t do it here. There was nothing for the bowlers in this wicket. They (KKR) bowled well but we didn’t quite bat well,” Naveen said.
Narine the X-factor
Naveen also heaped praises on Sunil Narine, claiming LSG’s plans on the batter went for a toss due to Narine’s form.
“I think he batted really well. We had a plan for him, bowling yorkers and bouncers. We planned to be unpredictable, wanted to mix things up. We did that, but he was quite unbelievable. It wasn’t like he was slogging or having top edges, he was proper middling the ball. He has been doing it from the start of the season so hats off to him, he said.
‘I share my experience with the young bowling attack’
LSG have a relatively young bowling attack. Naveen also divulged details on he tries to guide this young bowling attack.
“I can just share my knowledge with them, my experience with them about what to do and what not to do. There’s no added pressure. We played with this team last year too. We have a young bowling attack but we are helping each other,” he said.
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