Sunil Narine and Phil Salt set the stage on fire with their explosive batting performance for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 42 of IPL 2024 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, against Punjab Kings.

Narine and Salt’s Explosive Partnership

In a display of aggressive batting, Sunil Narine and Phil Salt propelled KKR to a blistering start after Sam Curran, the Punjab Kings’ captain, chose to field first. Their fearless approach saw KKR racing to 70 runs off just five overs, courtesy of their explosive hitting that left the opposition reeling. They have added 137 runs in 10 overs.

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Highest scores after first 10 overs of an IPL innings
158/4 – SRH vs DC, Delhi, 2024
148/2 – SRH vs MI, Hyderabad, 2024
141/2 – MI vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2024
138/4 – DC vs SRH, Delhi, 2024
137/0 – KKR vs PBKS, Kolkata, 2024
135/1 – KKR vs DC, Visakhapatnam, 2024

Highest partnerships for KKR in the IPL (any wicket)
184* – Gautam Gambhir & Chris Lynn vs GL, Rajkot, 2017
158 – Gautam Gambhir & Robin Uthappa vs RPS, Pune, 2017
152* – Gautam Gambhir & Jacques Kallis vs RR, Jaipur, 2011
138 – Sunil Narine & Phil Salt vs PBKS, Kolkata, 2024
136 – Manvinder Bisla & Jacques Kallis vs CSK, Chennai, 2012 final
The 138-run partnership between Narine and Salt was the 8th 100-plus opening stand for KKR in the IPL, and the first since 105 between Narine and Lynn against RCB in Bengaluru back in 2017.

Highest run-rates for a 100-plus opening stand in the IPL
20.68 – 131 off 38 – Travis Head & Abhishek Sharma (SRH) vs DC, Delhi, 2024
17.02 – 105 off 37 – Chris Lynn & Sunil Narine (KKR) vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2017
14.86 – 109 off 44 – Brendon McCullum & Dwayne Smith (CSK) vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2015
13.36 – 147 off 66 – Chris Gayle & Virat Kohli (RCB) vs PBKS, Bengaluru, 2016
13.35 – 138 off 62 – Sunil Narine & Phil Salt (KKR) vs PBKS, Kolkata, 2024

Phil Salt’s Dominance Against Harshal Patel

Phil Salt’s onslaught against Punjab Kings’ bowler Harshal Patel was a sight. With relentless aggression, Salt targeted Patel’s deliveries, dispatching them to the boundary with ease. His ability to find gaps and unleash powerful shots showcased his prowess as a destructive opener. Phil Salt reaches the fifty-run mark in 25 deliveries.

Least balls taken to 500 runs in IPL by Foreign batters

260 – Glenn Maxwell
284 – Travis Head
294 – Andre Russell
297 – Phil Salt*
298 – Henrich Klaasen

Narine’s Contribution to the Partnership

Sunil Narine complemented Salt’s ferocity with his brand of power-hitting. Narine’s fearless approach saw him taking charge against Kagiso Rabada, smashing boundaries and sixes to disrupt the opposition’s plans. His contribution added impetus to KKR’s innings, setting the tone for a formidable total.

Most runs in the Powerplay in IPL 2024
259 – Travis Head (SR: 229.20)
216 – Virat Kohli (SR: 155.39)
204 – Sunil Narine (SR: 177.39)
201 – Abhishek Sharma (SR: 233.72)
193 – Phil Salt (SR: 175.45)

Impact on KKR’s Innings

The explosive partnership between Narine and Salt piled pressure on the opposition and injected momentum into KKR’s batting lineup. Their aggressive batting laid a solid foundation for the middle order to capitalize on, putting KKR in a commanding position in the match.

In an exhilarating evening at Eden Gardens, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) showcased a thrilling display of cricket in the IPL 2024 season, particularly through Phil Salt’s explosive performance. This match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was not just another game; it was a display of strategy, skill, and sheer determination.

Phil Salt’s Dominant Performance

From the get-go, Phil Salt was in formidable form, smashing a rapid 89 off just 47 balls. His innings was peppered with bold shots, including eight fours and two sixes, catapulting KKR towards a daunting chase of 162. His aggressive batting not only entertained but significantly shifted the momentum in KKR’s favor.

See Also: IPL 2024: Finally Starc shines with ball for KKR against LSG

Impact on KKR’s Strategy

Salt’s early dominance allowed KKR to dictate the pace and style of the game. His approach not only put the bowlers under pressure but also allowed his teammates to play more freely, knowing the run rate was well under control.

LSG’s bowlers, particularly Yash Thakur and Krunal Pandya, faced the brunt of Salt’s assault. Despite their efforts to tighten their lines and lengths, Salt’s aggressive intent kept the scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace.

Behind the Stumps: Salt’s Wicketkeeping Skills

Apart from his batting, Salt also excelled behind the stumps. His acrobatic catch to dismiss Marcus Stoinis was a highlight, demonstrating his sharp reflexes and game awareness, which left fans and the co-owner, Shah Rukh Khan, absolutely thrilled.

It was the fourth ball of 12th over and Varun Chakaravarthy bowled a wrong ‘un and Stoinis looked to guide it on the on-side but failed to read it. He got an edge to it, which hit his thigh as the ball popped up in the air and Salt flew in the air to grab a one-handed stunner.

Comparison with Other Performances

Salt’s innings stands out in the IPL 2024 season for its high strike rate and the pressure it put on the opposition. Comparatively, it ranks as one of the most impactful innings under pressure, showcasing his ability to dominate from the start.

Fan and Team Reactions

The crowd at Eden Gardens was vociferous in its support, particularly when Salt reached his fifty off just 26 balls. His performance drew praise not only from fans but also from teammates who were seen applauding from the sidelines.