IPL 2018: Top 5 batting performances from first week

There was a lot of hype surrounding the 11th season of the IPL and so far it has lived up to expectations. In the first week itself, fans witnessed some mind-blowing displays.

Batsmen from all the teams have stepped up, producing some memorable innings. While KL Rahul and Sunil Narine played dashing innings at the top of the order, the likes of Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo showed why they are the best when it comes to scoring quick runs at the death.

Here we look at the top 5 innings from the first week of IPL 2018.

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#5 Sunil Narine: 50 off 19 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore

Sunil Narine using his feet against the spinners

The West Indies player continued his merry run against RCB when he scored an eye-catching 50 in KKR's first match.

Chasing a huge target of 177 runs, Narine got after the bowlers right from the word go as he reached 50 in just 17 balls. The left-hand batsman was particularly severe against RCB's spinners, hitting some big sixes.

This was the IPL's joint fastest 50 at the time and Narine's second under 18 balls. His cameo at the top ensured KKR won their opening game.

#4 Sam Billings: 56 off 23 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders

Billings played confidently against the spinners

CSK's grand comeback was maintained thanks to Sam Billings' fearless batting.

Chasing 203 against a strong KKR bowling line-up, CSK were in tatters when Billings walked to the crease.

The Englishman stitched an important partnership with MS Dhoni, taking the team closer to the target. He never let the asking rate get out of reach as he struck some lusty blows in almost every over.

The thing that impressed everyone the most was the way he tackled the spinners. His amazing batting paved the way for CSK's second win of the tournament.

#3 KL Rahul: 51 off 16 balls against Delhi Daredevils

Rahul played a sensational knock in his debut innings for Kings XI Punjab

Rahul showed his worth by scoring the fastest 50 in IPL history. Bought by Kings XI Punjab at the auction for a hefty price of 11 crores, the Karnataka batsman played some delightful shots against the Delhi Daredevils.

Rahul went after the spinners as well as the pacers and reached his 50 in 14 balls. The dashing batsman played proper cricketing shots and looked in complete control.

He eventually got out for 51, but by then the damage had already been done. The Kings chased down the target of 167 without breaking sweat, registering their first win in IPL 2018.

#2 Andre Russell: 88* off 36 balls against Chennai Super Kings

Russell hitting one out of the park

Despite not featuring in last year's IPL, Andre Russell was retained by KKR before the auctions this time around and has justified the faith shown in him by the franchise. The big Jamaican all-rounder played a stunning innings against CSK at Chennai.

KKR were in a spot of bother when Russell took charge. He hit 11 towering sixes in his knock of 88 not out. Some of the sixes went out of the ground, showing the brute power that Russell possesses. Even though KKR lost the match, Russell's innings will remain in the memories of fans for a long time.

#1 Dwayne Bravo: 68 off 30 balls against Mumbai Indians

Bravo made CSK's comeback a memorable one

Expectations were high when CSK played the opening match of the tournament against Mumbai Indians. Mumbai batted well, managing to score a fighting 165. After a good start, CSK suffered a middle-order collapse and their victory seemed highly unlikely. That is when Dwayne Bravo stepped up and changed the complexion of the match.

Unperturbed by wickets falling at the other end, Bravo played some dazzling shots and helped CSK beat the defending champions by one run.

Bumrah and Mustafizur, who are considered the best T20 bowlers in the world, weren't spared by Bravo either, as he hit them out of the park on many occasions. If Bravo continues to shine, CSK will be among the top contenders to win the tournament.

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