Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title spectacularly, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Among the many celebrations, one stood out a video call to England and KKR opener Phil Salt, who played a pivotal role in the team’s success before leaving for international duty.

Phil Salt’s Role in KKR’s Success

Salt’s performance was nothing short of sensational. His highest score of 89* came at a crucial juncture, showcasing his ability to handle pressure. His four half-centuries were all scored at Eden Gardens, where he enjoyed a prolific run, scoring 358 runs in seven matches at an average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 185.19.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Australia’s key players set to miss warm-up matches

KKR’s Journey to the Title

KKR’s journey to their third IPL title was marked by resilience and strategic brilliance. Under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, the team showed remarkable consistency and fighting spirit. Key victories against top teams and a solid performance in the playoffs highlighted their campaign.

The Final Match Recap

In the final, SRH won the toss and elected to bat. However, KKR’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc and Andre Russell, dismantled the SRH batting lineup, restricting them to a modest 113 runs. In response, KKR chased down the target in just 10.3 overs, with Venkatesh Iyer and Rahmanullah Gurbaz shining with the bat.

Phil Salt’s Video Call Celebration

As soon as KKR secured the title, the first video call was made to Phil Salt, who was back home preparing for a T20I series against Pakistan. The joyous interaction was shared on KKR’s official social media, showing Salt’s excitement and his teammates’ appreciation for his contributions.

Phil Salt and Sunil Narine: The Dynamic Opening Pair

The opening partnership between Phil Salt and Sunil Narine was a game-changer for KKR. Their complementary styles—Salt’s aggressive batting and Narine’s steady hand—created a formidable opening duo that often put KKR in commanding positions right from the start.

Salt’s journey in IPL 2024 was a story of redemption. Unsold in the previous auction, he was brought in as a replacement for Jason Roy. Salt seized the opportunity, turning his fortunes around and becoming a key player for KKR.

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

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.

In a dominant display of cricket, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a resounding eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a one-sided final on Sunday. The victory was marked by a clinical performance from KKR’s bowlers and an equally impressive chase by their batsmen.

Having lost the toss, KKR were put into the field by SRH, who opted to bat first. The decision backfired spectacularly as SRH’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of the final. SRH managed to post only 113 runs, which became the lowest-ever total in an IPL final.

KKR’s bowlers dominate as SRH crumble to lowest-ever IPL final total

The innings started disastrously for SRH. They lost their first wicket in the very first over when Abhishek Sharma was bowled by Mitchell Starc. Starc delivered a peach of a delivery that opened up the left-hander before hitting the top of the off stump. This early breakthrough set the tone for KKR’s bowling dominance.

SRH’s woes deepened when Travis Head was dismissed for a first-ball duck, caught behind off a beautiful outswinger. With just six runs on the board, SRH were reeling at 6/2. Starc continued his impressive spell, taking the wicket of Rahul Tripathi, who could only manage 9 runs before being caught behind. At this point, SRH were struggling at 21/3 in the fifth over.

Harshit Rana, coming in as the first change bowler, maintained the pressure by dismissing Nitish Reddy for 13. Andre Russell then joined the party, claiming the crucial wicket of SRH captain Aiden Markram, who was out for 20. This left SRH tottering at 62/5 in the 11th over.

The middle and lower order of SRH offered little resistance. Shahbaz Nadeem was dismissed for 8 by Varun Chakravarthy, while Abdul Samad could only score 4 before falling to Russell. SRH’s innings continued to collapse as Harshit Rana returned to take the wicket of Heinrich Klaasen, who scored 16. Jaydev Unadkat was trapped LBW by Sunil Narine for 4, and Pat Cummins was the last man out, leaving SRH all out for a paltry 113.

Venkatesh Iyer’s blistering knock seals emphatic victory for Kolkata Knight Riders

In response, KKR started their chase confidently. Sunil Narine, opening the innings, hit a six off the very first over bowled by Pat Cummins but was soon dismissed for 6. However, Venkatesh Iyer, in a scintillating form, took charge of the chase. He punished Bhuvneshwar Kumar, scoring 20 runs in an over, showcasing his aggressive intent.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz supported Iyer well, contributing a brisk 39 before being dismissed by Shahbaz Nadeem. By then, KKR were already in a commanding position. Iyer continued his assault on the SRH bowlers, completing his fifty off just 24 balls.

With Iyer remaining unbeaten on 52 off 26 balls, KKR comfortably chased down the target of 114 with 57 balls to spare, sealing an emphatic eight-wicket win. This victory marked a historic moment for KKR as they lifted their third IPL trophy, adding to their previous titles and solidifying their status as one of the premier franchises in the league.

See Also: IPL 2024 final: KKR win their third title, beat SRH by 8 wickets

The match highlighted KKR’s strength in both bowling and batting. Mitchell Starc, Andre Russell, and Harshit Rana were the standout performers with the ball, while Venkatesh Iyer’s explosive innings ensured a smooth chase. SRH, on the other hand, failed to rise to the occasion, struggling both with the bat and the ball in a match that they will look back on with disappointment.

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.

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

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.

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.