In a grand spectacle at the cricketing epicenter that is the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) etched their name into history with a commanding triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final. KKR secured their third IPL title, replicating the glory they first tasted at the same venue back in 2012. On the momentous day of May 26, 2024, the Kolkata-based franchise showcased a masterclass of cricket, leaving SRH in their wake and delighting their legion of fans with a seamless exhibition of skill and strategy.
The event began with the customary coin toss, won by the SRH captain, who opted to bat first – a decision that initially appeared promising. However, the KKR captain, Shreyas Iyer, was unfazed and mentioned that he would have preferred them to bowl first. His confidence in his bowling unit was soon validated. Leading the KKR attack was the indomitable Mitchell Starc, known for his lethal pace and precision. Starc’s opening salvo set the tone for an exceptional bowling performance as he delivered a ball to behold, which outfoxed SRH opener Abhishek Sharma. This early victory was a testament to Starc’s prowess and was only the beginning of KKR’s relentless campaign against the SRH batsmen.
Vaibhav Arora built upon the momentum generated by Starc’s brilliance. Entering to face his match opponent, Travis Head, Arora showcased remarkable skill by removing him with his very first delivery. This significant blow had the SRH team teetering at a precarious 6 for 2. It marked a crucial turning point as it dismantled the formidable opening duo touted as the most fearsome in the tournament.
Throughout the powerplay, the KKR bowlers suffocated SRH’s batting efforts. With Starc and Arora delivering exceptional spells, the SRH side struggled to find boundaries, managing their first only by the third over. Starc tightened the noose with another dismissive strike against Rahul Tripathi, who succumbed to the pressure and holed out a risky shot towards mid-wicket.
Amidst the aggressive bowling display, SRH found minor respite when they eked out 17 runs in the sixth over bowled by Arora. However, any fledgling momentum was short-lived as KKR’s middle-over strategists, Andre Russell and Harshit Rana, decimated the mid-order.
. Their effort was complemented by the economical bowling of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, effectively throttling SRH’s scoring opportunities.
In Sacrifice of wickets continued as Nitish Reddy was caught behind off Rana shortly after the powerplay, and Russell eliminated Aiden Markram with a catch by Starc at long-on. Shahbaz Ahmed’s innings were cut short with an edge caught behind, and Abdul Samad, drafted as an impact player, was also claimed by Russell’s bowling expertise. Heinrich Klaasen offered some resistance but fell to Rana, marking a pivotal moment where SRH’s score hadn’t breached the 100-run mark.
Batting through adversity, Pat Cummins emerged as the lone warrior for SRH, valiantly guiding his team to surpass 100 runs with a top-score of 24. Despite a dropped catch by Starc at long-on, Cummins failed to advance his innings further and eventually succumbed, leaving SRH with a modest total of 113 in the 19th over.
KKR’s approach to the chase was characteristically assertive. Rahmanullah Gurbaz initiated the run-fest with a stylish four. The intent was clear when Sunil Narine launched a six off Cummins in the second over, although his ambition led to a premature dismissal with a top-edged catch. Any nerves in the KKR ranks were dispelled swiftly as Venkatesh Iyer dominated the proceedings. He launched an early offensive, clubbing two sixes and a four off Bhuvneshwar Kumar, declaring KKR’s control over the chase.
As runs cascaded easily, KKR reached 50 inside five overs, with Gurbaz setting the groundwork and Venkatesh fueling the chase. The defining over came from T Natarajan, with Venkatesh plundering him for three boundaries and a six, underlining KKR’s dominance and ending the powerplay at a commanding 72 for one.
The KKR batsmen strode purposefully towards victory, crossing the 100-run milestone within nine overs. With a tenacious 39, Gurbaz departed with victory tantalizingly close. It was Venkatesh Iyer who would shepherd KKR to victory, displaying superb composure. His half-century off a mere 24 balls clinched a deserved victory as he struck the winning runs, sparking jubilant celebrations among players and supporters alike at their third IPL title conquest.