Tim Southee commended Rinku Singh’s calmness and Sunil Narine’s exceptional Super Over performance following Kolkata Knight Riders’ dramatic victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the recent IPL 2026 match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. Despite a shaky start, KKR fought back, with Rinku’s unbeaten 83, including four sixes in the final over, propelling them to a total of 155, enough to force a tie.
Reflecting on the team’s display, Southee praised the collective resilience exhibited, especially after the early batting struggles. He emphasized the importance of Rinku’s innings, highlighting not just the runs but the timing and cricketing intelligence displayed in a high-pressure scenario. KKR seemed headed for a below-par score before Rinku’s late onslaught, showcasing the significance of his finishing burst in changing the game’s momentum.
Southee also lauded the team’s unity amidst challenges, noting the group’s cohesion and determination to stay together through setbacks. He acknowledged the importance of early breakthroughs in defending 155, singling out Vaibhav Arora for his impressive start with the ball in the powerplay. Despite LSG’s control at times during the chase, KKR’s bowlers persisted, eventually forcing a Super Over after a thrilling last-ball six tied the scores.
In the Super Over, Sunil Narine’s outstanding performance, conceding only one run and taking crucial wickets, earned special praise from Southee for delivering under pressure. The fielding effort, marked by sharp catches and vital interventions in the deep, was also highlighted by Southee as a key factor in keeping KKR in the game. Ultimately, KKR successfully chased down the Super Over target in just one delivery, securing a crucial victory.
