New Delhi: Senior spinner Sunil Narine Half a century later, he created a brilliant spell with the ball Andre Fletcher Matthew Tromp helped the Los Angeles Knight Riders beat the Washington Freedom by 18 points in MLC action at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Friday.The victory earned the Cavaliers a crucial two points and moved them into third place with eight points in eight games and a net rating of +.187. The Washington Liberty also had eight points. They rank fifth with a net run rate of -0.637.
Fletcher, Trump boost Knight Riders to 192
Washington Liberty were asked to bat first after winning the toss and LA Knight Riders posted a competitive score of 192/8 in 20 overs.The innings got off to a shaky start with Colin Munro and Andre Russell departing within the first two overs. However, Andre Fletcher and Matthew Tropp steadied the innings with a solid partnership of 110 runs.Fletcher top-scored with 59 off 40 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes, while Tropp hit 50 off 32 balls, including 2 fours and 4 sixes.Saif Badar then hit a quick-fire knock of 24 off 12 balls and JahmHamilton’s unbeaten 22 off 12 balls gave the innings a strong finish.For Washington Liberty, Saurabh Netravalkar took three wickets while Ben Dwarshuis and Mitchell Owen took two each.
Nalin’s Economic Curse
Chasing the Los Angeles Knight Riders’ record of 192/8, Washington Liberty never recovered after Narine’s stellar performance in the Powerplay.The veteran spinner ended with figures of 1/14 in four overs with an economy rate of just 3.50. He got rid of dangerous opener Mitchell Owen and controlled the scoring, putting pressure on the batsmen.Andre Russell then struck at the crucial moment, dismissing Steve Smith (8), Rachin Ravindra (4) and Jack Edwards (0) to finish with 3/34.Ali Khan also impressed with his 2/18 performance, while Shadley van Schalkwyk took two wickets. Lahiru Milantha fought hard and scored 40 points while Andries Gous scored 37 points. Ben Dwarshuis scored 19 quick runs but Washington Freedom ended with 174/8.
Narine was named the best player of the match
After receiving the Man of the Match award, Narine explained the change in his bowling role.“(On his new role of bowling in the powerplay). I think it just happened. I think we needed to make the powerplay more rigorous, and I think we all came together and came up with a game plan. Happily it worked and hopefully it can continue.“(The mentality when you’re bowling to guys that you know are going to come after you, like Mickey Owen tonight?) No, I think when you focus on the opponent, you’re under pressure. I think you focus on what you can do, focus on the ability that you have, and try to execute what you’ve been practicing. So I think whatever you practice, you try to execute to the best of your ability.”The Los Angeles Cavaliers will face the San Francisco Unicorns on Saturday at Savannah Stadium in Dallas.
