IPL: England's Phil Salt hits top form to power the Kolkata Knight Riders to emphatic victory
- Planet Sport writer
- 15 April 2024
Phil Salt struck his second half-century at this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) to power the Kolkata Knight Riders to a convincing eight-wicket win over the Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens.
The free-scoring Salt blazed an unbeaten 89 from just 47 deliveries as Knight Riders comfortable chased down a target 162 with more than four overs to spare.
Opener Salt was attacking from the outset against the LSG bowlers with the first over over innings going for 22 as the Englishman took on IPL debutant Shamar Joseph running in.
Although Sunil Narine (6) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (7) were dismissed early, Salt maintained his dominance although he did benefit from some good fortune as he was dropped once early on.
Earlier, the Knight Riders had won the toss and chose to bowl first and the restricted the Super Giants to a total of 161-7 in their 20 overs.
KL Rahul looked fluent for his 39 off just 27 balls but gave it away just as he was about to accelerate while West Indian Nicholas Pooran spanked 45 late in the piece.
The Super Giants lost wickets at regular intervals with Sunil Narine proving to be difficult to get away as the spinner recorded figures of 1-17 in his four overs.
Australia paceman Mitchell Starc then retuned to the attack late in the innings o clean up and took 3-28, his best figures in this season's tournament.
