Batsman Unmukt Chand and bowler Ali Khan both played starring roles to help the Sunil Narine-led Los Angeles Knight Riders open their 2024 Major League Cricket season with a 12-run win over the Texas Super Kings at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Friday.

Chand, a former India Under-19 Captain, starred with a 45-ball 68 to help lead the Knight Riders to 162-7 from their 20 overs after being put in to bat by the Super Kings.

The 31-year-old hit six fours and three sixes and was well supported by Nitish Kumar who hit 26 off 17 balls including a four and two sixes.

Left-arm pacer Zia-ul-Haq took 2-16 from three overs for the Super Kings while Aaron Hardie and Marcus Stoinis took two wickets, each.

The Knight Riders were then able to restrict the Super Kings to 150-8 from their 20 overs thanks to some tight bowling throughout the innings.

Devon Conway led the Texas batting charge with 53 off 39 balls including four fours and two sixes while Calvin Savage made 29* off 18 balls.

Pacer Ali Khan took 4-33 from his four overs while Spencer Johnson bowled brilliantly up front on his way to figures of 2-18 from his four overs.

Sunil Narine was economic as usual with 1-23 from his four overs while Andre Russell went wicketless, conceding 25 in three overs.

Full Scores:

Los Angeles Knight Riders 162-7 off 20 overs (Unmukt Chand 68, Nitish Kumar 26, Zia-ul-Haq 2-16, Aaron Hardie 2-26, Marcus Stoinis 2-37)

Texas Super Kings 150-8 off 20 overs (Devon Conway 53, Calvin Savage 29*, Ali Khan 4-33, Spencer Johnson 2-18)