Kolkata Knight Riders clinched their third Indian Premier League title with a resounding victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final showdown. The match witnessed contrasting emotions for two Australian cricketers, with Mitchell Starc leading Kolkata’s charge while Pat Cummins endured a challenging outing as Hyderabad’s captain.

Mitchell Starc’s Early Dominance

Mitchell Starc showcased his prowess with the ball, rattling Hyderabad’s top order with a remarkable spell of 2-14. Supported by a collective effort from Kolkata’s bowling unit, including Andre Russell’s impactful performance, they restricted Hyderabad to a meager total of 113 runs, the lowest in the history of IPL finals.

See Also: “Old mate Starcy turned up again…”, Pat Cummins reveals the reason behind IPL 2024 final loss

Kolkata’s Commanding Chase

In response, Kolkata displayed their batting prowess as Venkatesh Iyer led the charge with a blazing unbeaten half-century, supported by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s aggressive batting. Their partnership effectively sealed the game, securing Kolkata’s victory with 57 balls to spare.

Kolkata’s dominance throughout the season was evident as they finished on top at the end of the league stage. They had previously defeated Hyderabad in the league stage and qualifier, further emphasizing their superiority in the final showdown.

Hyderabad’s Missed Opportunities

Hyderabad’s batting struggles were evident from the start, with early dismissals denting their momentum. Despite a late resurgence from Pat Cummins, Hyderabad failed to pose a significant challenge to Kolkata’s formidable performance.

Here is how former cricketers and commentators reacted to KKR’s third IPL title win

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 8 wickets in the final showdown at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The victory marked a remarkable achievement for the Shreyas Iyer-led side, which delivered a commanding performance to clinch the coveted title.

KKR’s Commanding Performance

Chasing a modest target of 114 runs, KKR showcased their prowess with the bat, achieving the target in just 10.3 overs. This impressive display of batting prowess highlighted KKR’s dominance throughout the match.

The early stages of SRH’s innings saw the formidable bowling duo of Mitchell Starc and Vaibhav Arora wreak havoc on their batting lineup. Starc’s crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay, including the dismissals of Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi, set the tone for KKR’s bowling attack. Arora further compounded SRH’s woes with his pivotal wicket of Travis Head, laying the groundwork for KKR’s victory.

See Also: KKR secure IPL Title after a decade; Fans go wild on social media

Starc’s Impactful Bowling

Mitchell Starc’s journey in IPL 2024 was marked by initial skepticism following his high-priced acquisition by KKR. However, Starc silenced his critics with stellar performances, particularly in the latter half of the tournament. His standout display in Qualifier 1 and the final match showcased his ability to deliver under pressure, solidifying his place as a key player for KKR.

Mitchell Starc’s Redemption

In the final showdown against SRH, Starc once again rose to the occasion, delivering a clinical bowling performance that stifled SRH’s batting lineup. His economical spell in the initial overs played a pivotal role in KKR’s dominant start, setting the stage for their eventual triumph.

Pat Cummins’ Acknowledgment

Following the match, SRH captain Pat Cummins commended KKR for their exceptional performance, acknowledging the impact of Starc’s bowling prowess. Cummins highlighted KKR’s bowling strength and expressed admiration for their strategic approach to the game.

Pat Cummins | SRH captain: They bowled fantastically. Old mate Starcy turned up again! Not enough tonight, totally outplayed. You hope you get some boundaries away but they bowled fantastically well, didn’t give us anything. Similar to how they bowled in Ahmedabad. It was a tricky wicket. If we got 160, we felt we would have been in the game. So many (positives), the style with which the guys played especially with the bat. Lot of skills to get to 250 three times. I loved how brave the guys were. It was a lot of fun, great season.

The high-voltage final clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ended with a complete dominating performance by KKR, who won the contest by 8 wickets. This victory marked KKR’s third overall title in the tournament’s history.

KKR Bowlers Keep SRH Batters at Bay

Opting to bat first, SRH struggled to find their footing against a relentless KKR bowling attack. Mitchell Starc set the tone early with a brilliant spell, taking 2 wickets for just 14 runs in his 3 overs. His early breakthroughs put SRH on the back foot right from the start.

See Also: Fans call Starc a big match player after his spell in IPL final

Despite the early setbacks, Pat Cummins tried to anchor the SRH innings with a resilient 24 off 19 balls, including 2 fours and a six. Aiden Markram also chipped in with 20 runs off 23 balls, and Heinrich Klaasen managed to add 16 runs off 17 balls. However, these efforts were not enough to build a competitive total.

Bowling Excellence by KKR

Mitchell Starc’s impactful spell was supported by disciplined bowling from Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana. Andre Russell was the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for 19 runs in 2.3 overs. Their combined effort ensured that SRH could only manage a modest total.

SRH’s Struggle to Build Partnerships

The SRH batting line-up couldn’t build significant partnerships, which was crucial for posting a challenging total. The lack of momentum and continuous fall of wickets kept SRH from gaining any foothold in the match.

Varun Chakravarthy’s Contribution

Varun Chakravarthy also played a crucial role in KKR’s bowling attack, taking 1 wicket for just 9 runs in his 2 overs. His economical bowling further tightened the noose around the SRH batsmen.

KKR’s Commanding Chase

Chasing a modest target of 114 runs, KKR’s innings was spearheaded by a blistering half-century from Venkatesh Iyer. His aggressive knock of 52 runs off 26 balls, studded with 4 fours and 3 sixes, ensured KKR’s dominance and a quick victory.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided a solid start to the chase, scoring 39 runs off 32 balls, hitting 5 fours and 2 sixes. His performance set the foundation for an easy chase.

Fan Reactions

Fans erupted in praise for KKR’s dominant performance. Social media platforms were abuzz with congratulatory messages and celebrations. Tweets, posts, and comments highlighted the excitement and satisfaction among the KKR supporters.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 8 wickets in the showdown at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This victory added another trophy to KKR’s cabinet and highlighted their dominance in the IPL 2024 season.

Chasing a modest target of 114 runs, the Shreyas Iyer-led side delivered a commanding performance, clinching victory in just 10.3 overs. The match showcased KKR’s balanced and powerful bowling and batting gameplay.

First Innings Highlights

SRH’s batting lineup, which had been formidable throughout the season, faltered spectacularly in the final. They were bowled out for just 113 runs in 18.3 overs, unable to build any substantial partnerships.

See Also: Has Starc delivered the ball of IPL 2024? Have a look!

Andre Russell was the star with the ball, claiming three wickets for just 19 runs. His aggressive and precise bowling dismantled the SRH middle order, preventing them from gaining momentum.

Mitchell Starc’s Performance

Mitchell Starc set the tone early with his lethal deliveries. He struck in the first over, removing Abhishek Sharma with a delivery that nipped away sharply to hit the off-stump. Starc finished with impressive figures of 2 for 14, showcasing his skill and justifying his hefty price tag.

Harshit Rana effectively supported the main bowlers, taking 2 crucial wickets for 24 runs. His ability to bowl in the right areas and extract movement off the pitch was instrumental in keeping the SRH batters in check.

SRH’s Struggle

The SRH batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of KKR’s disciplined bowling. Aiden Markram and Nitish Kumar Reddy tried to counter-attack but failed to convert their starts into significant scores. Pat Cummins’ brief resistance, scoring 24 runs, was the only highlight in an otherwise disappointing innings for SRH.

KKR’s Chase

KKR’s chase began steadily, with 5 runs from the opening over. However, they suffered a setback in the second over when opener Sunil Narine was caught by Shabaz off a delivery from Pat Cummins after hitting a maximum. Narine managed to score six runs from just two deliveries before his dismissal.

The Iyer-Gurbaz Partnership

Venkatesh Iyer and Rahmanullah Gurbaz forged a formidable partnership in the middle, amassing 91 runs off just 45 balls. Gurbaz played a supportive role, scoring 39 runs from 32 deliveries, before falling to Cummins.

Venkatesh Iyer’s aggressive and calculated approach saw him reach his fifty in just 24 balls. His powerful hitting and smart shot selection ensured that KKR stayed ahead of the required run rate.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer joined the chase with only 12 runs required off 67 balls. He opened his account with a boundary and guided the team to victory, displaying calm and decisive leadership.

In a highly anticipated IPL 2024 final, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) crumbled to an embarrassing total of 113 runs in 18.3 overs. Pat Cummins scored 24 runs for SRH, as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowlers delivered a clinical performance at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. This article delves into the details of SRH’s batting collapse and KKR’s dominant bowling display.

A Star-Studded Line-Up Falls Short

Despite having a star-studded line-up, SRH faltered on a surface that, while challenging, could have been more playable. The pitch offered swing, bounce, and grip, which KKR exploited expertly. KKR’s bowlers kept the pressure on SRH from the outset, never allowing them to build momentum.

See Also: IPL 2024 final: KKR bowlers led by Starc strike early as SRH lose top three inside powerplay

Mitchell Starc Strikes Early

Mitchell Starc, the most expensive player in IPL 2024, dismissed Abhishek Sharma in the first over with a beautiful delivery. Starc’s early breakthrough was a crucial blow to SRH, who struggled to recover.

The top order woes continued for SRH as Travis Head fell to Vaibhav Arora in the next over. Rahul Tripathi departed early, leaving SRH reeling at 21/3 inside the powerplay. KKR’s bowlers relentlessly picked up wickets regularly, preventing significant partnerships from forming.

Middle Order Resistance and Quick Fall

Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen attempted to stabilize the innings, but their efforts were short-lived. Both batsmen got starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores. Their dismissals further compounded SRH’s problems.

Pat Cummins provided a glimmer of hope with a brief cameo, scoring 24 runs. His efforts pushed SRH’s total past the 100-run mark, but it was far from a competitive score in a high-stakes final.

KKR’s Bowlers Shine

Mitchell Starc showcased his prowess with the ball again, leading KKR’s attack with precision and skill. His early breakthrough set the tone for the rest of the innings. Andre Russell stepped up on the big occasion, taking three crucial wickets. His all-round performance was instrumental in KKR’s dominance.

Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora also made significant contributions, each taking important wickets to dismantle SRH’s batting line-up. KKR’s bowlers worked in tandem, ensuring no SRH batter could settle.

SRH’s Record-Breaking Low Score

With their collapse, SRH broke Chennai Super Kings (CSK) 11-year-old record for the lowest score in an IPL final. CSK had previously held the record with 125/9 in the 2013 final.

In 2013, CSK failed to chase down Mumbai Indians’ total of 148, losing the final by 23 runs. SRH’s performance in 2024 was even more disappointing, highlighting the pressure and unpredictability of the IPL finals.

Lowest totals for SRH (IPL)
96 vs MI Hyderabad 2019
113 vs MI Hyderabad 2015
113 vs KKR Chennai 2024 *
114 vs PBKS Dubai 2020

Lowest totals in IPL finals
113 SRH vs KKR Chennai 2024 *
125/9 CSK vs MI Kolkata 2013
128/6 RPS vs MI Hyderabad 2017
129/8 MI vs RPS Hyderabad 2017

The buildup to the IPL final was filled with excitement and speculation. Fans and analysts were particularly focused on Starc, who had been under intense scrutiny since his record-breaking Rs 24.75 crores signing by KKR. Despite a rocky start, Starc’s form had shown a significant uptick in the knockout stages, raising hopes for a stellar performance in the final.

Setting the Stage: The Final Showdown

The atmosphere at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on the day of the final was electric. With fans from both camps filling the stands, the stage was set for a thrilling contest. SRH won the toss and opted to bat, a decision that quickly came under scrutiny as the match progressed.

See Also: Major blow to West Indies as star all-rounder ruled out of T20 World Cup

Starc’s Delivery to Abhishek Sharma

The final’s drama began unfolding right from the first over. Mitchell Starc, with the new ball in hand, was ready to make an impact. On the fifth ball of the over, Starc delivered a stunning ball that pitched on the leg-stump line and nipped away sharply. Abhishek Sharma, who had been in fine form, was completely undone. The ball clipped the off-stump, leaving Sharma and the crowd in shock.

The early loss of Abhishek Sharma put SRH on the back foot. Their batting lineup, which relied heavily on a strong start, was under immense pressure.

The crowd erupted as the stumps were shattered. The early wicket was a massive boost for KKR and set the tone for the rest of the match. Starc’s delivery was immediately hailed as one of the best in the tournament.

Spotlight on Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc’s journey through the IPL 2024 season was a rollercoaster. Initially struggling to justify his hefty price tag, Starc found his rhythm in the crucial matches leading up to the final. His standout performance in Qualifier 1 against SRH, where he claimed 3/34, was a turning point that set the stage for his heroics in the final.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Road to the Final

KKR’s path to the final was marked by resilience and strategic brilliance. The team faced stiff competition throughout the season but secured their spot in the playoffs with consistent performances. Starc’s resurgence, especially his match-winning spells in the knockout rounds, played a crucial role in their late-season surge.

Turning Point in Qualifier 1

The Qualifier 1 match against SRH was a defining moment for Starc. His 3/34 helped KKR secure a place in the final and silenced his critics. This performance indicated Starc was peaking at the right time, bringing hope to KKR fans for the showdown.

The IPL 2024 final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai was electrifying. With fans on the edge of their seats, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) set the stage ablaze by reducing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to a precarious position early in the match.

Toss and Team Strategies

Winning the toss, SRH captain opted to bat first, hoping to put up a challenging total on the board. KKR’s bowlers, spearheaded by the fiery Mitchell Starc, executed their plans perfectly. SRH reeled at 21 for three within the first five overs, thanks to some exceptional bowling.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Virat Kohli likely to miss India’s only warm-up match; Reports

Mitchell Starc’s Magic

The most expensive player of IPL 2024, Mitchell Starc, lived up to his billing by claiming the prized wicket of SRH opener Abhishek Sharma in the first over. Starc’s good length delivery, angling in and pitching on the middle stump, left Sharma stranded without footwork, resulting in an easy dismissal. Sharma, who had a stellar season, could only manage two runs off 5 balls.

Vaibhav Arora Joins the Party

Vaibhav Arora sent Travis Head back to the pavilion for a duck in the next over. The away-swinger found Head’s faint edge, which keeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz comfortably caught. With both openers dismissed within the first two overs, SRH’s innings was in tatters.

SRH’s Struggle for Stability

The quick fall of wickets continued to plague SRH. Despite a few boundaries from Rahul Tripathi and Aiden Markram, the team needed help finding stability. Tripathi’s dismissal, courtesy of another brilliant delivery from Starc, left SRH at 23 for three.

Rahul Tripathi’s Short Stay

Trying to guide the ball through the leg side, Tripathi got a thick top edge that Mandeep Singh caught near the square leg. His departure for 9 runs put SRH in a deeper hole.

Aiden Markram’s Resilience

Aiden Markram attempted to anchor the innings with a few crucial boundaries, but the relentless pressure from KKR’s bowlers made it difficult to build a substantial partnership with Nitish Reddy. But Nitish Reddy is caught behind on the last ball of Harshit Rana’s first over, adding Rana to the list of successful KKR bowlers. Once again, an away-swinger does the trick for a KKR pacer. SRH stand at 47/4 after 7 overs.

Reddy c Gurbaz b Rana 13(10)

Lowest Powerplay scores for SRH in IPL 2024
37/2 vs RR Hyderabad
40/3 vs PBKS Mullanpur
40/3 vs KKR Chennai *
45/4 vs KKR Ahmedabad

Mitchell Starc
World Cup 2023
Group stage: 10 wkts in 8 matches
Knockouts: 6 wkts in 2 matches
IPL 2024
Group stage: 12 wkts in 12 matches
Play Offs: 5* wkts in 2 matches

The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the IPL 2024 season as the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) face off against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in what promises to be an electrifying final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will buzz with excitement and enthusiasm as fans rally behind their favorite teams.

SRH vs KKR

KKR and SRH have been the standout teams in the tournament by quite some distance. And it does not surprise me that these two are in the final, especially because of the presence of two individuals who have thrived under pressure over the years in crunch matches—Gautam Gambhir and Pat Cummins.

See Also: IPL 2024 Final: Updated weather report of Chepauk for final showdown

Gautam Gambhir’s Impact on KKR

Gautam Gambhir‘s influence on KKR is legendary. As a player, he led the team to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. From 2011 to 2017, Kolkata made the playoffs five times. When Gambhir was not with them for six seasons, they tried multiple captains, but none could win the title.

Now, as a mentor, his strategic understanding and ability to motivate players have been invaluable. Gambhir’s knack for thriving in knockout matches is well-documented, and his presence in the KKR camp has undoubtedly been a confidence booster. His experience and guidance have been key to KKR’s resurgence this season.

Pat Cummins’ Leadership for SRH

Pat Cummins has had a remarkable run as SRH’s captain. Despite initial skepticism about his leadership abilities in the T20 format, Cummins has silenced critics with his outstanding performance. His strategic decisions and ability to inspire his team have been crucial to SRH’s success. Cummins’ versatility as a player and leader has shone through, making him an integral part of SRH’s journey to the final.

Cummins’ Versatile Cricketing Skills

During SRH’s dream run this season, they faced many questions. The Sunrisers were criticized for their ‘apparently’ not-so-strong bowling attack. The Orange Army also encountered criticism for their inability to chase down targets. Yet, under Cummins’ leadership, they’ve overcome these hurdles, proving their critics wrong.

Recap of KKR’s Season

Consistent performances and strategic gameplay have marked KKR’s journey to the final. Key matches showcased their ability to handle pressure and deliver when it mattered most.

Recap of SRH’s Season

SRH’s season was a rollercoaster, with initial struggles followed by a remarkable turnaround. Their resilience and tactical acumen saw them navigate through tough matches and emerge victorious.

The much-anticipated IPL 2024 final between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is set against an intriguing backdrop of weather concerns and pitch conditions. Chennai, the venue for this grand showdown, experienced a cloudy yet rain-free morning in the lead-up to the match.

However, the excitement was briefly tempered by a sharp spell of rain on Saturday evening, which disrupted KKR’s training session and raised fears about the final being affected. As of 1 PM on Sunday, the rain threat diminished, with only a 4% chance of precipitation, according to Accuweather.

Provision for Reserve Day

If weather conditions prevent the completion of the final on Sunday, IPL organizers have wisely included a provision for a reserve day. This contingency plan ensures the match can be concluded, provided the team batting second has played at least five overs to achieve a decisive result. This rule aims to avoid the scenario where rain leaves the final inconclusive and maintains the integrity of the competition.

See Also: First batch of Indian Team leaves for USA ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

Reflecting on the 2023 IPL final, where rain delays pushed the match into a reserve day, offers a sense of preparedness for any weather-related disruptions this year. In that memorable game, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) triumphed over the Gujarat Titans in a thrilling finish.

Pitch Conditions and Preparations

The pitch for the IPL 2024 final has been a topic of keen interest, given its potential influence on the match outcome. The red-soil strip selected for the final was previously used in CSK’s match against Punjab Kings on May 1. During that encounter, spinners Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar emerged as game-changers, combining to take 4 for 33 in eight overs and significantly restricting CSK’s total. This historical performance suggests that spin could play a pivotal role in the final, adding an extra layer of strategy for both teams.

KKR’s Training Session Disruption

The unexpected rain on Saturday evening disrupted KKR’s final preparations, forcing the team to adjust their training schedule. Such interruptions can impact the team’s rhythm and readiness.

SRH’s Journey to the Final

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s path to the final has been marked by impressive performances, particularly in Qualifier 2 against the Rajasthan Royals. SRH’s victory on a turning black-soil pitch, where they anticipated dew but managed to navigate its absence, showcased their adaptability and resilience.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has reached its climax as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) prepare to battle it out in the final on Sunday, May 26. The grand showdown will take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, a venue known for its electrifying atmosphere and passionate cricket fans.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR has had a remarkable season, showcasing a blend of experience and young talent. Under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, KKR has emerged as a formidable force. Key players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and the young Afghan sensation Rahmanullah Gurbaz have played pivotal roles in their journey to the final.

KKR’s Road to the Final

KKR’s journey to the final has been nothing short of spectacular. They secured a direct entry to the final by defeating SRH in Qualifier 1. Their performance was highlighted by Mitchell Starc’s brilliant bowling and Gurbaz’s impactful return to the team.

See Also: Fans applaud ‘lone warrior’ Dhruv Jurel against SRH in Qualifier 2

3 Players to be in focus from KKR

The IPL 2024 Final is upon us, and all eyes are on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as they prepare to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Among the many stars in the KKR lineup, three players stand out as key to their success: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shreyas Iyer, and Varun Chakravarthy.

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the talented Afghan cricketer, has faced significant personal challenges this season. Mid-tournament, he returned to Afghanistan to be with his ailing mother. However, the Kolkata Knight Riders needed him back urgently after their primary keeper-batter, Phil Salt, left for national duties.

Gurbaz’s return to the team was nothing short of dramatic. In Qualifier 1 against SRH, he played a pivotal role. His quick 23-run knock off just 14 balls, including two fours and two sixes, set a blistering pace in KKR’s 160-run chase.

As KKR heads into the final, Gurbaz’s role will be crucial. His ability to provide a blistering start can put the opposition under pressure right from the beginning. Fans and teammates alike will be looking for him to replicate his explosive performance and set the tone for the match.

2. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer’s journey to this final has been a rollercoaster. Despite a fine run in the ODI World Cup, he faced a tough period afterward. He lost his Test place in the home series against England, overshadowed by emerging youngsters. He also missed out on the T20 World Cup squad and, to add to his woes lost his BCCI central contract due to unavailability for domestic first-class games.

Despite these setbacks, Iyer has shown resilience and strong leadership. Gautam Gambhir’s influence on the team has been significant, but Iyer’s personal growth as a captain has also been evident. His previous success with Delhi Capitals, where he led them to their maiden IPL final in 2020, speaks volumes about his capabilities.

In IPL 2024, Iyer has had a decent run with the bat. Scoring 345 runs at a strike rate of 146.19 in 13 innings, he has largely batted in the middle order, capitalizing on the strong starts provided by the top order. As KKR’s captain, his strategic insight and batting prowess will be critical in the final against SRH.

Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy has been a standout performer for KKR this season. With 20 wickets to his name, he ranks among the top wicket-takers of IPL 2024. His mystery spin continues to baffle batters, making him a vital cog in KKR’s bowling attack.

In the crucial Qualifier 1 against SRH, Chakravarthy’s spin was instrumental. He took two important wickets, helping KKR to stifle the SRH batting lineup and secure their place in the final. His ability to perform under pressure highlights his importance to the team.

The final at Chepauk, known for its spin-friendly conditions, is the perfect stage for Chakravarthy to weave his magic. His performance will be crucial in breaking through SRH’s batting order and keeping the runs in check. If he can continue his form, KKR will have a significant advantage.