In a remarkable display of skill and spirit, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) carved their path to the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final, decisively defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets. The electrifying atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad set the stage for KKR’s formidable performance, which saw them restrict SRH to a manageable 159 and then chase it down with impeccable ease, marking their return to the tournament’s final for the first time since 2021.
The crucial match began with SRH captain Pat Cummins opting to bat first, placing his faith in SRH’s power-packed batting arsenal, which had dazzled fans throughout the season. However, the decision soon appeared to backfire. KKR’s Mitchell Starc set the tone, taking the new ball and promptly dismantling SRH’s top order. Travis Head was the first casualty, undone by Starc’s second delivery, which spectacularly shattered his stumps.
As the powerplay progressed, the match unfolded with intense drama. SRH’s intent to play aggressive cricket clashed with KKR’s relentless pursuit of wickets. Amidst the chaos, Rahul Tripathi emerged as SRH’s glimmer of hope, confidently taking on the KKR bowlers with calculated aggression. However, his valiant efforts were somewhat solitary as SRH found themselves struggling after losing three additional wickets. Vaibhav Arora claimed Abhishek Sharma’s scalp, caught by Andre Russell at cover. Starc was relentless, striking twice in the fifth over to send Nitish Reddy packing and then dismissed Shahbaz Ahmed, leaving SRH precariously placed at 39 for four in just five overs.
Respite for SRH came only when Heinrich Klaasen joined forces with Tripathi. Together, they stitched a promising 61-run partnership, sparking hopes of a revival. Sunil Narine’s introduction to the attack in the ninth over was met with disdain as Klaasen launched him for a massive six straight down the ground, signaling SRH’s intent to dictate terms. Tripathi, showcasing remarkable composure, reached his fifty with a reverse sweep off 29 deliveries, keeping the strike rate ticking.
Nevertheless, SRH’s innings faltered again post that partnership. Klaasen’s departure, caught by Rinku Singh at deep mid-wicket for 32, signaled another shift in momentum. Abdul Samad stepped onto the crease with grand intentions, smashing his first delivery off Narine for a towering six. His fireworks continued but were marred by a mix-up with Tripathi, leading to Tripathi’s run-out after a well-made 55. At 121 for six, SRH was teetering once more.
In the final overs, it was left to captain Pat Cummins to push SRH past 150.
. His sturdy 30 off 24 balls underscored his leadership, as he skillfully marshaled the strike amid a cascade of wickets. His innings featured some late fireworks that marred Starc’s figures with a four and a six in the final over, before his dismissal culminated the innings at 159. Starc stood out with impressive figures of three for 34, supported by Varun Chakaravarthy’s miserly two for 26. KKR’s fielders contributed crucially, working tirelessly to underpin their bowlers’ efforts.
When it was KKR’s turn to bat, they approached the chase as if they were in pursuit of a steeper target. A lineup change saw Rahmanullah Gurbaz pair up with Narine at the top. Gurbaz, making his tournament debut, was quick to make an impact with a boundary off just the second ball. Narine, unperturbed by SRH’s bowling, unleashed boundaries against Pat Cummins, while Gurbaz contributed with a six courtesy of a top-edge that sailed over third-man. This authoritative start battered SRH’s morale further, as even Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s and T Natarajan’s efforts couldn’t stem the flow of runs. Natarajan did manage to dislodge Gurbaz for 23 with a catch in the covers, but the onslaught continued.
Venkatesh Iyer, joining the fray thereafter, maintained KKR’s aggressive stance, propelling them to a swift 63 in the powerplay. Narine’s cameo ceased at 21 after falling prey to Cummins, but it hardly slowed KKR’s momentum as the Iyers, Venkatesh and Shreyas, took charge.
With a commanding presence, both Shreyas and Venkatesh worked seamlessly, blending measured aggression with tactical awareness. Venkatesh demonstrated his prowess by dispatching several sixes, displaying impeccable timing. Shreyas, not one to be left behind, capitalized on SRH’s fielding lapses, which included dropped catches and unsuccessful reviews.
As the victory target loomed closer, milestones were passed with flair. Venkatesh thumped Nitish through mid-wicket for six, thereby reaching his half-century off 28 balls. Not to be overshadowed, Shreyas executed a thrilling sequence of a six, a four, and another massive six to reach his 50 off just 23 deliveries. The culmination came when Shreyas gracefully lofted a six over long-on, sealing KKR’s passage to the final in just 13.4 overs, with a staggering 38 balls remaining and eight wickets intact.
While KKR advance with confidence to the title clash, SRH have another opportunity on the horizon to recover and aim for a shot at the finals as they prepare to face the victor of the Eliminator between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals. The IPL enthusiasts continue to revel in a season marked by thrilling encounters and sensational cricketing moments.