The IPL 2024 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the iconic Eden Gardens witnessed a monumental performance from Sunil Narine. Coming into bat under challenging circumstances, Narine’s scorching century not only propelled KKR’s total but also left fans and critics in awe of his explosive batting.

Early Game Analysis

The match began with KKR batting first after RR’s captain, Sanju Samson, won the toss and opted to field. The decision seemed sound as RR’s bowlers initially managed to restrict KKR’s openers. Phil Salt’s early dismissal set the stage for Narine, who started cautiously but was clearly gearing up for a significant onslaught.

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Narine’s Batting Strategy

Narine’s approach against both spin and pace was calculated. Focusing on waiting for the bad ball, he capitalized significantly on anything pitched wrong. His strategy to dominate the spinners, especially targeting Ashwin and Chahal, played a crucial role in accelerating his scoring rate.

Narine’s fifty came off just 29 balls, a fiery innings highlighted by a massive six to bring up his half-century. The first 10 overs were crucial, with Narine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi pushing the score past 100, setting a robust platform for a big total.

Race to the Century

Post the half-century, Narine shifted gears. Each over seemed like a spectacle, with Narine smashing boundaries at will. The climactic moment came when he hit a powerful six over long-off to notch up his century in just 49 balls, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Narine’s ability to read the bowlers and his impeccable timing were evident throughout his innings. His preference for straight drives and clearing the long-off and long-on boundaries demonstrated his technical prowess and understanding of the field placements.

𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞, naam toh suna hi hoga 😉

He scores his maiden 💯 in T20s at the iconic Eden Gardens 🏟️#KKRvRR #TATAIPL #IPLonJioCinema #SunilNarine | @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/TKFSFsc3Lp

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) April 16, 2024

Boult to Narine, out Bowled!! Knocked him over! It has been a sensational knock from Narine and Boult congratulates him on his way back! A standing ovation for Narine! Narine scored 109(56) [4s-13 6s-6]

IPL hundreds for KKR
158* – Brendon McCullum vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2008
105* – Sunil Narine vs RR, Kolkata, 2024
104 – Venkatesh Iyer vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2023

April 16th, 2013 – Sunil Narine took an IPL Hat-trick.
April 16th, 2024 – Sunil Narine scored IPL Hundred.

Fan and Media Reaction

The social media buzz was immediate, with fans and pundits praising Narine for his record-setting innings. Media coverage highlighted this innings as one of the top performances of IPL 2024.

Oh to be Sunil Narine. Opposition batters show you respect and rarely go after you. And you open the batting and go after every single one of them. A real MVP 🙌🏼 #KKRvRR #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/UmFQedmyK3

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) April 16, 2024

Well played, Sunil Narine 👏 pic.twitter.com/YtKfyA6ffh

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 16, 2024

Sunil Narine is the only person who can put a smile on Gautam Gambhir’s face. #KKRvRR pic.twitter.com/4GTKkWt0zq

— Humza Sheikh (@Sheikhhumza49) April 16, 2024

How does Sunil Narine manage to score so many runs while having a flawed batting technique?
Anyways scores for Academy so W pic.twitter.com/YEgwLU2e2p

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) April 16, 2024

SUNIL NARINE IS LEADING RUNS SCORER FOR KKR IN THIS IPL 2024…!!!!! pic.twitter.com/2TH7T4Jy7I

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) April 16, 2024

The greatest ever to play for KKR
SUNIL NARINE 💜 pic.twitter.com/hjaEClcbbR

— Ashish Shrivastava (@ashishayush1177) April 16, 2024

Sunil Narine’s evolution is a slap in the face to those who doubted him. From Powerplay wonder to mid-over menace, he’s demolishing the best bowlers in the IPL. The king has returned, and he’s hungry for more! #KKRvRR
pic.twitter.com/Tz1pFKFKEe

— Satan (@Scentofawoman10) April 16, 2024

Sunil Narine is the only player in IPL who can win both Orange Cap and Purple Cap at the same time. pic.twitter.com/DIynlRv36M

— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) April 16, 2024

Sunil Narine opening the innings under Gambhir pic.twitter.com/Cz2UliwwPs

— Shubh Aggarwal (@shubh_chintak) April 16, 2024

Sunil Narine in 30 minutes of batting beats Akash Chopra's lifetime total IPL runs! 😄

Aakash Chopra : 53 👎

Sunil Narine : 55* 🔥#KKR | #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/WJ2OdHuWGW

— KKR Karavan (@KkrKaravan) April 16, 2024

SUNIL NARINE IS THE LEADING RUN-GETTER FOR KKR IN IPL 2024. 🤯

– Gambhir effect in Kolkata Knight Riders…!!!! pic.twitter.com/5bOfri4AaP

— Sh!tPoster Krish (@krishmHD) April 16, 2024

#KKRvsRR

Sunil Narine : tum logo ko kya laga tha mai bowlers mai atta hu

— Arash 🏴‍☠️ (@dhdjdjsbsbnd) April 16, 2024

King Khan happy

Sunil Narine Masterclass! pic.twitter.com/ym1fAPYrAA

— sauram🇮🇳 (@Sauram228) April 16, 2024