Mitchell Starc proved his worth and justified his hefty price tag in the IPL 2024 final. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired him for an astonishing Rs 24.75 crores, and he delivered a match-winning performance against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, May 26. Starc’s brilliant bowling spell rattled SRH’s top order, setting the stage for KKR’s dominance in the final.

Starc’s Impact in the First Over

In the first over of the match, Starc showcased his big-match temperament by clean-bowling the in-form Abhishek Sharma. The young opener, who had been in stellar form throughout the season, was undone by a delivery that nipped away treacherously to hit the off-stump. Sharma, who had scored 484 runs in the tournament with an impressive strike rate of 204.21, was dismissed for just two runs.

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From Struggles to Dominance

Starc had a rocky start to the IPL 2024 season. However, he turned his fortunes around with a spectacular performance against Mumbai Indians in match 54. This resurgence carried into the knockout stages, where he delivered a match-winning spell against SRH in Qualifier 1, finishing with figures of 3/34.

Key Wickets in the Final

Starc struck again in the fifth over, dismissing Rahul Tripathi, who had been a crucial player for SRH in their Qualifier 2 victory over Rajasthan Royals. Tripathi’s dismissal was a significant blow to SRH, as he had been one of their most reliable performers in high-pressure situations.

Vaibhav Arora’s Contribution

Vaibhav Arora, who bowled the second over of the match, complemented Starc’s efforts by dismissing Travis Head for a duck. This early wicket further compounded SRH’s problems, leaving them struggling at the start of their innings.

Fans’ Reactions to Starc’s Performance

Cricket fans and enthusiasts used social media to express their admiration for Starc’s breathtaking spell. His ability to deliver in high-stakes matches drew widespread acclaim, with many praising his skill and composure under pressure.