In a high-stakes clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) demonstrated a commanding performance to defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets, securing a spot in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final. This marks KKR’s fourth appearance in an IPL final, their first since 2021, following an all-round display that saw their bowlers and batsmen outclass the SRH lineup.
The drama unfolded with SRH captain Pat Cummins winning the toss and opting to bat. SRH’s hopes rested on their aggressive batting approach, which had been dazzling throughout the season. However, their plans received an early blow as Mitchell Starc, opening the bowling for KKR, dismissed Travis Head with a sheer display of pace and accuracy on his second delivery, shattering the stumps. This initial blow set the tone for a challenging powerplay for SRH.
As the powerplay continued, SRH experienced a tumultuous ride, wrestling to stabilize their innings against relentless KKR bowling. Rahul Tripathi emerged as the beacon of hope for SRH, counter-attacking with a series of impressive strokes. Unfazed by the challenges, he took the aerial route to keep the scoreboard ticking. However, his partners fell quickly. Abhishek Sharma succumbed to an outstanding catch by Andre Russell off Vaibhav Arora in the second over. Starc returned for the fifth over to deliver a double strike, removing Nitish Reddy and Shahbaz Ahmed in quick succession, leaving SRH reeling at 39 for four.
Amid the chaos, a glimmer of resilience sparked with a robust partnership between Rahul Tripathi and Heinrich Klaasen. Over the next six overs, they added a vital 61 runs, regaining some composure for SRH. Klaasen launched a formidable assault on Sunil Narine in the ninth over, hitting him for a massive six. At the other end, Tripathi raised his fifty through a reverse-sweep, epitomizing his aggressive yet calculated approach under pressure.
Nevertheless, the momentum shifted once again as KKR struck back. Klaasen, looking to accelerate, was caught at deep mid-wicket, bringing Abdul Samad to the crease. Samad’s arrival sparked immediate fireworks as he hammered Narine for two gigantic sixes. However, a fatal mix-up with Tripathi led to the latter being run out for a well-made 55.
. SRH teetered on a knife-edge at 121 for six.
Pat Cummins, the SRH captain, attempted to marshal the lower order with a gritty knock of 30 from 24 balls. He found the boundaries in the closing overs, even managing to disrupt Starc’s spell with a flurry of runs in the final over of the innings. Eventually, Cummins fell as SRH concluded their innings at 159. KKR’s bowlers, particularly Starc who finished with figures of three for 34, and the economical Varun Chakravarthy, who claimed two for 26, were instrumental in tying down the SRH batting order. Their efforts were supported by a fielding unit that exhibited untiring commitment, converting half-chances into key wickets.
KKR’s chase began like a juggernaut, reflecting an ambitious mindset as if facing a target far above 159. Opening batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz, playing his first match of the tournament, made an immediate impact. Alongside Sunil Narine, Gurbaz exhibited early aggression, hitting boundaries off Bhuvneshwar Kumar and taking on the pace of Cummins and Natarajan. Gurbaz’s innovative shots propelled KKR to a rapid start, but he fell for 23 while attempting another big shot off Natarajan in the fourth over.
Unperturbed, Venkatesh Iyer joined Narine, carrying forward the aggressive approach. They accumulated 63 runs in the powerplay, maintaining the upper hand despite Narine’s departure after a brisk 21. Venkatesh and captain Shreyas Iyer then took charge, manipulating the field and keeping SRH’s bowlers under constant pressure.
Venkatesh Iyer’s cameo was highlighted by a powerful pull shot over mid-wicket to reach his fifty off just 28 balls. Shreyas Iyer, not to be outdone, orchestrated his own half-century, showcasing a mixture of deft placements and potent hitting. With the target well within sight, Shreyas fittingly sealed victory with a towering six over long-on, culminating KKR’s triumphant chase in 13.4 overs, reserving a dominant win with 38 balls to spare.
While KKR readies themselves for the final, SRH will have another shot at making it to the summit clash. They face the winner of the Eliminator between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals for a place in the final, giving them a chance to redeem themselves.