Mitchell Starc’s bowling heroics helped table-toppers KKR defeat in-form SRH by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday, securing their place in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

SRH will get another chance to reach the title clash when they take on the winner of the Eliminator between RR and RCB in Qualifier 2 on Friday. This is the fourth time the Knight Riders have reached an IPL final.

Match Overview

The stakes were high in Qualifier 1, with KKR aiming to continue their dominant run and SRH looking to capitalize on their form. KKR’s journey this season has been remarkable. They finished as table-toppers with 20 points from 14 matches, largely thanks to their all-around performances and strategic brilliance.

See Also: Netizens applaud Captain Cummins for stellar cameo in Qualifier 1 against KKR

Starc’s Early Impact

Mitchell Starc, IPL’s most expensive buy, justified his hefty price tag with a sensational three-wicket burst. He delivered an early blow by dismissing Travis Head on the second ball of the game, uprooting his stumps. This early setback left SRH in disarray. Starc continued his onslaught by removing Nitish Reddy and Shahbaz Ahmed during the powerplay, reducing SRH to 44/3.

Middle Order Resistance

Rahul Tripathi provided some resistance by fighting 55 off 35 balls. He formed a crucial 62-run partnership with Heinrich Klaasen, who contributed 32 off 21 balls. Their efforts were vital in pushing SRH past the 100-run mark, but wickets continued falling regularly.

KKR’s Tight Bowling

KKR’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings. Varun Chakravarthy’s dismissal of Klaasen was pivotal, and Sunil Narine chipped in with key wickets, further derailing SRH’s innings.

SRH’s Lower Order Fightback

Despite the top order’s collapse, Pat Cummins played a crucial knock of 30 off 24 balls, forming a vital 33-run stand for the last wicket with Vijayakanth Viyaskanth. This late surge helped SRH reach a respectable total of 159.

KKR’s Dominant Chase

The impressive fifties led KKR’s chase from Venkatesh Iyer (51* off 35) and Shreyas Iyer (58* off 36). They effortlessly gunned down the target in just 13.4 overs, showcasing their batting prowess and ensuring a comprehensive victory.

This victory marks KKR’s fourth entry into an IPL final, a testament to their consistent performance and strategic insight. Gautam Gambhir’s return as a mentor has been instrumental in their resurgence this season.

Mitchell Starc’s early breakthroughs set the tone for the match, while the Iyer duo’s fifties sealed the deal for KKR. Other notable performances included Varun Chakravarthy’s economical bowling and Pat Cummins’ crucial late innings.

DYK: Since 2018, the team that won Qualifier 1 went onto win the IPL trophy every single time.

Most 50-plus scores as a captain in playoffs
2 – MS Dhoni
2 – Rohit Sharma
2 – David Warner
2 – Shreyas Iyer*

Most appearances in the IPL final
10 – CSK
6 – MI
4 – KKR*
3 – RCB

Highest partnership for KKR in playoffs
136 – M Bisla & J Kallis vs CSK, Chennai, 2012
97* – Shreyas Iyer & V Iyer vs SRH, Ahmedabad, 2024*
96 – Shubman Gill & V Iyer vs DC, Sharjah, 2021

Venkatesh Iyer’s scores in playoffs
26 (30) vs RCB, Sharjah, 2021
55 (41) vs DC, Sharjah, 2021
50 (32) vs CSK, Dubai, 2021
51* (28) vs SRH, Ahmedabad, 2024*

Winning with the most balls to spare in IPL (160+ targets)
62 – SRH vs LSG, Hyderabad, 2024 (Target: 166)
38 – KKR vs SRH, Ahmedabad, 2024 (Target: 160)
34 – KKR vs SRH, Kolkata, 2014 (Target: 161)
32 – MI vs RR, Wankhede, 2014 (Target: 190)

The IPL 2024 Qualifier 1 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was thrilling. Pat Cummins once again proved his mettle at this iconic venue, reminiscent of his unforgettable performance in the ODI World Cup final last year.

Match Overview

In the highly anticipated Qualifier 1, SRH won the toss and opted to bat first. The match quickly became a spectacle of high-quality cricket, with both teams showcasing their skills and strategies to secure a place in the finals.

See Also: IPL 2024: KKR bowlers crush SRH, restrict them to a low total in Qualifier 1

Cummins’ Heroics

Pat Cummins led from the front, delivering a remarkable batting performance. His innings included a sensational reverse shot for six off Varun Chakravarthy’s delivery, which landed straight into the KKR dugout. Cummins’ quick 30 runs off 24 balls were crucial in adding valuable runs to SRH’s total.

Following Pat Cummins’ impressive knock, netizens took to social media platforms to shower him with praise.

Early Wickets and SRH Collapse

SRH’s innings started disastrously, with Travis Head getting bowled out by Mitchell Starc for a two-ball duck. Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi tried stabilizing the innings but couldn’t withstand the pressure for long. Vaibhav Arora’s tight bowling further compounded their problems, as he dismissed Abhishek Sharma early.

Starc’s Fiery Spell

Mitchell Starc was the star of the show with his fiery spell. He took crucial wickets, including those of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shahbaz Ahmed, leaving SRH reeling at 44/4 by the end of the powerplay. His pace and accuracy were too much for the SRH batters to handle.

Middle Order Struggles

KKR’s spin duo, Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine took control of the middle overs. Heinrich Klaasen, who tried to counterattack, was dismissed by Varun’s second delivery. Varun’s consistent performance, with 39 wickets in 27 IPL innings since 2023, has been instrumental for KKR.

Late Order Resilience

Despite the early collapse, Pat Cummins provided some late-order resilience, scoring 30 off 24 balls. His efforts and some lower-order contributions helped SRH reach a respectable total of 159, though it appeared below par on a good batting surface.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) showcased their bowling prowess in the IPL 2024 Qualifier 1 against SRH. Mitchell Starc led the charge, delivering a devastating spell that left the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) reeling.

Mitchell Starc’s Fiery Starc

Mitchell Starc wasted no time in making an impact. On the second ball of the match, he clean-bowled SRH opener Travis Head, who departed for a two-ball duck. It was a perfect delivery that swung away, sneaking through the gap between Head’s bat and pad to knock over the stumps. This early breakthrough set the tone for KKR’s dominance.

See Also: Afghanistan rope in Dwayne Bravo as bowling advisor for T20 WC 2024

Early Collapse for SRH

Following Head’s dismissal, SRH’s woes continued. Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi attempted to stabilize the innings, but their efforts were short-lived. Vaibhav Arora joined the attack, dismissing Abhishek Sharma and further deepening SRH’s troubles. Starc wasn’t done yet; he struck again to remove Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shahbaz Ahmed, reducing SRH to a precarious 44/4 by the end of the powerplay.

Middle Order Struggles

As SRH tried to rebuild, KKR’s spinners, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, tightened the noose. Heinrich Klaasen, who had taken Narine for 16 off eight balls, was caught off Varun Chakravarthy’s second delivery. Varun’s consistent performance has been a cornerstone for KKR, with 39 wickets in 27 IPL innings since the start of IPL 2023.

Rahul Tripathi offered some resistance, scoring a spirited 55 off 35 balls. However, a brilliant piece of fielding by Andre Russell resulted in Tripathi’s run-out. SRH’s attempts to counter the collapse by bringing in Sanvir Singh as their Impact Player at No.8 failed, as he was bowled for a duck by Narine. This double strike left SRH in tatters at 123/7.

Lower Order Collapse

With the score at 126 for 9, SRH was staring down the barrel of a sub-140 total. Pat Cummins provided some late fireworks, scoring 30 off 24 balls, but it was too late. SRH were eventually bowled out for 159, a score that seemed below par on a good batting surface.

Starc’s final over saw him claim his third wicket, dismissing Shahbaz Ahmed with a deadly inswinging yorker. His spell of 3/20 was instrumental in dismantling SRH’s batting lineup and earning KKR a significant advantage.

KKR’s Clinical Bowling Performance

Andre Russell and Varun Chakravarthy continued to apply pressure on SRH. With his accurate and deceptive spin, Varun picked up crucial wickets, while Russell’s athleticism in the field contributed to key dismissals. Their combined efforts ensured SRH never got the momentum to post a challenging total.

Despite some late resistance from Cummins, SRH was bundled out for 159. Starc’s brilliant spell and disciplined bowling from the rest of the KKR attack highlighted the team’s comprehensive bowling strategy.

SRH innings progression
Overs 1-7: 50/4 (RR: 7.14)
Overs 8-12: 60/1 (RR: 12.00)
Overs 13-19.3: 49/5 (RR: 6.53)

20 wickets by Varun Chakaravarthy this season is the joint-most for him in an IPL edition. Last year he took 20 wickets as well.

Highest 10th wicket partnership in the IPL
55* – Shikhar Dhawan & M Rathee (PBKS) vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2023
33 – Pat Cummins & V Viyaskanth (SRH) vs KKR, Ahmedabad, 2024*
31* – Tom Curran & Ankit Rajpoot (RR) vs KKR, Dubai, 2020
31 – Andre Russell & CV Varun (KKR) vs DC, Delhi, 2023

Best bowling figures for KKR in the playoffs
4/21 – Sunil Narine vs RCB, Sharjah, 2021
3/13 – Umesh Yadav vs PBKS, Kolkata, 2014
3/20 – Nathan Coulter-Nile vs SRH, Bengaluru, 2017
3/34 – Mitchell Starc vs SRH, Ahmedabad, 2024*
3/35 – Kuldeep Yadav vs SRH, Delhi, 2016

Mitchell Starc once again proved why he is a key player in high-stakes matches, delivering a stellar performance in the IPL Qualifier 1 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). SRH won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to set a challenging target for KKR. However, the strategy backfired as KKR’s bowlers, led by Starc, came out all guns blazing.

Starc’s Opening Spell

Mitchell Starc opened the bowling for KKR and immediately made his presence felt. He delivered a length ball in the first over that deceived SRH’s aggressive opener, Travis Head. The ball was shaped away beautifully, creating a big gap between Head’s bat and pads, and it knocked the middle and off stumps.

See Also: Afghanistan rope in Dwayne Bravo as bowling advisor for T20 WC 2024

Starc’s Continued Impact

Starc didn’t stop with just one wicket. His continued presence on the field kept SRH’s batters on edge. His pace, combined with his ability to swing the ball both ways, created constant challenges.

Starc’s third over was a masterclass in T20 bowling. He dismissed Nitish Rana with a short ball that didn’t get the elevation Rana aimed for, resulting in a simple catch for Gurbaz. Immediately after, Starc bowled an in-swinging yorker to Shahbaz Ahmed, uprooting his stumps and leaving SRH in deeper trouble.

Vaibhav Arora’s Contribution

While Starc was the standout performer, Vaibhav Arora played a crucial supporting role from the other end. Arora’s disciplined bowling and key dismissals complemented Starc’s efforts perfectly. His ability to maintain tight lines and lengths further restricted SRH’s scoring opportunities and contributed to their early downfall.

SRH’s Struggle to Recover

By the end of the powerplay, SRH was tottering at 45/4, struggling to build any substantial partnerships. Key players like Abhishek Sharma and Nitish Rana fell cheaply, unable to cope with the pressure exerted by KKR’s bowlers.

Early Dominance by KKR

Starc’s early strike set the tone for KKR’s bowling attack. The early wicket of a dangerous opener like Travis Head boosted the team’s morale and put SRH on the back foot right from the start. KKR’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, not allowing SRH to settle into a rhythm.

The excitement for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is reaching its peak as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) gear up for Qualifier 1. This match, scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, will determine which team secures the first spot in the final. Both teams have shown exceptional performance this season, and this match promises to be thrilling. Let’s delve into the key KKR players who could significantly impact this crucial clash.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR has been the standout team in IPL 2024, finishing at the top of the points table with a commanding performance. Shreyas Iyer leads the team and boasts a strong lineup with key players contributing to the batting and bowling departments.

See Also: IPL 2024: What if Qualifier 1 between KKR and SRH gets abandoned? Check weather reports

Key Players for KKR

1. Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine has been a versatile player for KKR, excelling with both bat and ball. As the top scorer for KKR this season, his explosive starts and economical bowling have been crucial. Not only has he been the top-scorer for KKR, but his consistent and explosive starts have also provided a solid foundation for the team. With Phil Salt unavailable, Narine’s responsibilities as an opener have increased. His ability to take on the bowlers immediately has been crucial for KKR.

Narine’s economy rate 6.63 this season highlights his effectiveness with the ball. Batters have found it challenging to score against him, and his knack for taking wickets at crucial junctures makes him a key player. In previous encounters, Narine has also shown his ability to dismiss key players like Klaasen, making him a dual threat in this match.

2. Andre Russell

Andre Russell’s all-round abilities make him a key player for KKR. His power-hitting in the death overs and wicket-taking ability can change the course of the game. His ability to score quickly in the death overs can significantly boost KKR’s total. In the last match against SRH, Russell scored a stunning 64* off 25 balls, showcasing his power-hitting capabilities.

Russell is not just a batsman but also an effective bowler. In their last clash, he took two wickets against SRH, earning the Man of the Match award. His all-round abilities make him a vital player for KKR. SRH must plan carefully to keep him quiet, both with the bat and the ball.

3. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc had a slow start to the season but has found his rhythm at the right time. With match-winning figures of 3 for 38 against the Lucknow Super Giants and 4 for 33 against the Mumbai Indians, Starc has proven his worth. His ability to swing the ball early and take crucial wickets makes him a key player in the powerplay.

One of the critical battles in this match will be between Mitchell Starc and SRH’s opener, Travis Head. Head has been in exceptional form, but Starc’s ability to generate early swing could pose a significant challenge.