Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have etched their name in the history books by becoming the first team in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 to secure a spot in the playoffs. Their remarkable achievement was sealed at their home ground, Eden Gardens, where they triumphed over Mumbai Indians (MI) with an 18-run victory – marking their ninth win of the season.
The evening, however, was marred by persistent rain, which reduced the contest to a 16-overs-a-side affair. Winning the toss, MI opted to field first, igniting a chain of electrifying events right from the onset. Phil Salt, opening the innings for KKR, sent shockwaves through the crowd by launching the very first ball from Nuwan Thushara over long-off for a colossal six. The excitement was palpable, but it was short-lived as Salt’s aggressive move to send another ball over fine-leg resulted in his dismissal, caught by a deep fielder.
Jasprit Bumrah took the ball for the second over, and delivered a substantial blow to KKR’s lineup on his very first ball. Sunil Narine, expecting a wide delivery, left it alone only to have his stumps rattled by Bumrah’s inswinger. At 10 for two, KKR was in a precarious position.
In the overs to follow, Venkatesh Iyer exemplified the old adage that offense is the best defense. With KKR on the back foot, Venkatesh took it upon himself to turn the tides. In the fourth over bowled by Bumrah, after an initial scare where he was almost injured, Venkatesh retaliated by stepping out and playing bold strokes. He struck two fours and a six, marking it an important over for KKR. However, the stability was short-lived as Shreyas Iyer fell to a cunning delivery by Anshul Kamboj, who bowled him around his legs. Soon after, Nitish Rana, who was returning from injury, joined Venkatesh at the crease.
KKR’s innings was characterized by the absence of any significant partnerships, with regular fall of wickets hindering their progress. Nonetheless, key contributions kept them afloat. Venkatesh’s explosive innings of 21-ball 42 set the momentum, but his aggressive play led to his dismissal, as he was caught by Suryakumar Yadav off Piyush Chawla in the ninth over. The stage was then set for Andre Russell, who made his presence felt by dispatching his second delivery over long-on for a classic Russell six.
Nitish Rana maintained the tempo with regular boundaries, but his effort was cut short by a run-out in the 12th over, having scored a crucial 33.
. The collective efforts of the KKR batsmen, including Russell’s 24 off 14 balls, Rinku Singh’s 20 off 12 balls, and a late surge by Ramandeep Singh, who scored an unbeaten 17 off eight balls, propelled KKR to a defendable total of 157 for seven. Piyush Chawla was MI’s standout bowler, claiming two wickets for 28 runs in his three overs. Bumrah snapped up two wickets for 39 runs in his full quota of four overs, retaining his purple cap. Anshul Kamboj was economical, with figures of one for 24 in three overs.
The chase by MI started with blistering fireworks courtesy of Ishan Kishan, who accelerated their score to 59 within the first five overs, smashing 37 from just 17 balls. Harshit Rana and Sunil Narine both faced the wrath of MI’s aggressive batting. Rohit, complementing Kishan’s efforts, hit an early six off a free-hit and rotated the strike efficiently.
KKR’s comeback was orchestrated by their spinners, whose tight lines and disciplined bowling pulled MI back into check. Sunil Narine was pivotal, removing Kishan by catching him at deep midwicket for 40 in the seventh over. Rohit soon followed, as he hit one to short fine-leg where Narine completed another catch off Varun Chakaravarthy’s bowling. By the 10th over, MI was at 81 for two, with the hope resting on Suryakumar Yadav. However, Andre Russell dismissed those hopes by getting Suryakumar caught out in the 11th over.
KKR maintained the pressure with consistent breakthroughs. Varun Chakaravarthy’s four overs yielded only 17 runs for two wickets, while Narine was economical with one wicket for 21 in three overs. Russell’s timely wickets, including the dismissal of Tim David for naught, played a crucial role in constraining MI.
MI’s fight was kept alive by Tilak Varma, who fought valiantly even as the required rate kept climbing. With 41 needed from the last two overs, Naman Dhir’s aggressive batting momentarily reignited MI’s hopes. However, Harshit Rana rose to the occasion in the final over, dismissing Dhir and ending Tilak’s resistance, securing the win for KKR.
The electrifying atmosphere at Eden Gardens contrasted with the nearly tangible tension as KKR celebrated their victory – their fifth in seven matches at home this season. This triumph solidifies KKR’s journey in IPL 2024, as they now move forward into the playoffs, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters.