Irfan Pathan has highlighted two defining moments behind Kolkata Knight Riders’ dramatic Super Over win against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026 — Rinku Singh’s fearless counterattack and Sunil Narine’s ice-cool execution under pressure. The contest at Ekana Cricket Stadium turned into a classic, with momentum swinging multiple times before KKR sealed a thrilling victory.
Analysing the game, Irfan Pathan pointed out how conditions in Lucknow played a crucial role in shaping the contest. The surface offered bounce and movement, making stroke play far from straightforward. “The quality of bowling was outstanding, and the pitch definitely had something in it… posting big scores hasn’t been easy,” Pathan said.
With batters struggling for fluency, it was Rinku who changed the narrative. Walking in with KKR under pressure, he absorbed the situation before launching a calculated assault. Pathan identified one particular over as the turning point.
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“The moment he took on Digvesh Rathi and scored 26 runs in that over, the entire momentum shifted,” he explained. Rinku’s unbeaten 83 not only rescued KKR from a precarious position but also propelled them to a competitive 155. More importantly, it ensured the match went down to the wire, eventually leading to a Super Over.
Irfan Pathan was equally impressed with Narine’s composure in the tie-breaker. In a format where teams often rely on pace, KKR backed their veteran spinner — and he delivered once again. “What stood out was the quality of the delivery to dismiss Nicholas Pooran and the calmness with which Sunil Narine executed it,” Pathan noted.
Narine conceded just one run while removing Pooran and Aiden Markram, leaving KKR with the simplest of tasks. The chase was wrapped up on the very first ball, underlining KKR’s dominance in the decisive moment. Breaking down Rinku’s innings further, Pathan praised his awareness and decision-making in crunch situations.
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“Rinku Singh’s awareness in that final over was outstanding… those four sixes completely changed the momentum,” he said. He also highlighted Rinku’s willingness to take responsibility, especially when he chose to retain strike and back himself to finish strongly.
In the end, it was this blend of composure and calculated aggression that defined KKR’s win. Rinku’s late fireworks and Narine’s Super Over brilliance combined to deliver one of the most gripping finishes of IPL 2026, reinforcing why experience and temperament remain invaluable in high-pressure T20 cricket.
