The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) showcased a commanding performance to secure a berth in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets. This dynamic encounter unfolded at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where KKR’s strategic prowess outshone SRH, holding them to a modest 159 runs before executing a seamless chase. This victory marks KKR’s fourth emergence in the IPL final and their first since their last finalist appearance in 2021.
The match commenced with SRH captain Pat Cummins opting to bat first after winning the toss, placing faith in his team’s vaunted batting line-up that had been a spectacular force throughout the season. Under the stadium’s glaring lights, the duel began with Mitchell Starc, KKR’s pace spearhead, charging in with the new ball against Travis Head. Demonstrating excellent control and precision, Starc toppled Head’s stumps on just the second delivery, handing KKR an early boost.
The powerplay was a whirlwind of events with SRH determined to maintain their aggressive approach. However, KKR, equally fervent in their quest for wickets, imposed relentless pressure. Amidst this intense battle, Rahul Tripathi emerged as the beacon of hope for SRH. Despite the adversities, Tripathi courageously adopted attack over defense, fearlessly opting to play lofted shots. Meanwhile, SRH struggled at the other end, with three more wickets falling in quick succession. Andre Russell captured Abhishek Sharma at cover, courtesy of Vaibhav Arora in the second over, while Starc returned in the fifth over to claim two more victims. Nitish Reddy was caught by wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and then Shahbaz Ahmed, sent to bolster the innings at No. 6, was bowled out for a golden duck, leaving SRH in disarray at 39 for four in five overs.
But SRH found some solace in a substantial middle-order partnership. Over the next six overs, Heinrich Klaasen and Tripathi joined forces to assemble 61 runs. The ninth over, delivered by Sunil Narine, saw Klaasen’s assertive six down the ground change the game’s tempo momentarily. Tripathi celebrated his half-century in the 11th over, a valiant effort compiled in just 29 balls, demonstrating resilience in pressure-cooker conditions.
However, the innings faltered once more as Klaasen was dismissed for 32 at deep mid-wicket by Rinku Singh. Abdul Samad then stepped up with the intent to dominate, immediately scoring a gigantic six off Narine. Yet, a critical misunderstanding with Tripathi resulted in a run-out, and the seasoned batsman walked back devastated, having secured 55 runs, as SRH stood precariously at 121 for six.
In the closing overs, it was captain Pat Cummins who attempted to steer SRH to a respectable total, contributing 30 runs off 24 balls.
. Despite losing partners at the other end, Cummins found boundaries during critical slog overs, although his efforts were thwarted when he fell in the final over. SRH wrapped up their innings at 159, with notable figures from KKR’s bowlers; Starc bagged three for 34, and Varun Chakravarthy delivered an economical spell with two for 26. The disciplined fielding by KKR was instrumental, demonstrating sharp commitment and capitalizing on every opportunity.
KKR’s chase was assertive, almost reminiscent of a pursuit beyond 200 runs. A tactical switch saw Gurbaz alongside Narine at the opening position. Gurbaz, making his debut in this season’s tournament, made an impact immediately by striking a four on his second ball. Narine continued this aggression, striking Cummins for two consecutive boundaries. Gurbaz lofted one over third-man for a six against Cummins, building palpable pressure on the SRH bowlers. But Natarajan, entering in the fourth over, had Gurbaz caught at cover for 23, providing SRH a glimmer of hope.
However, Venkatesh Iyer arrived at the crease with purpose, maintaining the scoring tempo with Shreyas Iyer. KKR accumulated 63 runs during the powerplay. Narine was dismissed after an impactful 21, lofting one to deep square leg off Cummins.
As the partnership between the Iyers flourished, the run chase was executed with precision and flair. SRH’s options dwindled as their reviews were exhausted, and crucial catches failed to stick. Venkatesh Iyer capitalized on the errors, clearing the rope for several sixes. Shreyas Iyer soon found his rhythm and boundaries, mirroring Venkatesh’s prowess.
When victory was within reach, Venkatesh pulled a sleek six over mid-wicket to reach his half-century from 28 deliveries. Shreyas then mirrored his partner’s milestone, striking three successive boundaries to complete a 23-ball fifty. The KKR skipper sealed the triumph with a towering six over long-on, completing the chase in just 13.4 overs, with a commanding 38 balls and eight wickets to spare, epitomizing their dominance.
With this decisive win, KKR has booked a place in the title showdown, while SRH will get another shot to reach the final against the victor of the Eliminator clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals.