KKR vs SRH Finals- May 26, 2024 | The grand finale of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 saw Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerging victorious against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In a stunning display of all-round cricket, KKR clinched their third IPL title by dismantling SRH with an emphatic eight-wicket victory.
Match Summary of KKR vs SRH Finals
- Toss: SRH won the toss and elected to bat first.
- Inning 1 (SRH):
- SRH posted a total of 113 runs for 10 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
- Key contributions came from Aiden Markram (20 runs) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (13 runs).
- KKR’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc (2 wickets for 14 runs) and Harshit Rana (2 wickets for 24 runs), kept the pressure on SRH.
- Inning 2 (KKR):
- KKR chased down the target comfortably, scoring 114 runs for 2 wickets in just 10.3 overs.
- Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz (39 runs) set the tone, while V. Iyer (52 runs) played a crucial innings.
- KKR secured victory with 57 balls remaining, clinching their third IPL championship after a decade.
Toss and Early Breakthroughs in KKR vs SRH
Winning the toss, SRH captain Aiden Markram opted to bat first. KKR captain Shreyas Iyer mentioned he would have preferred to bowl, a strategy that worked wonders in favor of KKR. Mitchell Starc, the Player of the Match in their previous encounter, led KKR’s bowling attack with precision and fire.
In the very first over, Starc set the tone for KKR by delivering a spectacular delivery that clean bowled Abhishek Sharma. This ball, pitching on middle stump and shaping away, left Sharma with no chance as it clipped the top of off-stump.
Following Starc’s lead, Vaibhav Arora produced an equally magical over. His first delivery to Travis Head saw Head edging the ball to the wicketkeeper, leaving SRH in deep trouble at six for two. This early double blow was a significant setback for SRH, who struggled to recover throughout their innings.
Powerplay and Middle Overs Struggles
SRH managed their first boundary in the third over, but runs were otherwise hard to come by. Starc returned in the fifth over to dismiss Rahul Tripathi, who misjudged a shot and skied the ball to mid-wicket. Despite a brief resurgence with 17 runs in the sixth over bowled by Arora, SRH’s innings faltered again as Nitish Reddy’s six provided momentary relief before he too fell soon after the powerplay, caught behind off Harshit Rana.
In the middle overs, KKR’s bowlers continued their domination. Andre Russell and Rana picked up crucial wickets, ensuring SRH never gained momentum. Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy maintained a tight grip with economical spells. Russell removed the SRH skipper Aiden Markram for 20, caught by Starc at long-on, further compounding SRH’s woes.
Lower Order Collapse
SRH’s lower order crumbled under relentless pressure from KKR’s bowlers. Shahbaz Ahmed fell cheaply, caught at short fine-leg off Chakaravarthy, while Abdul Samad, the impact player, was caught behind off Russell. Heinrich Klaasen’s dismissal in the 15th over by Rana left SRH reeling without having crossed the 100-run mark.
Pat Cummins fought valiantly to push SRH’s score to a semblance of respectability. He top-scored with 24 runs and managed to extend the innings, especially after a dropped catch by Starc. However, Cummins eventually fell in the 19th over, finding Starc at long-on, ending SRH’s innings at a modest 113.
KKR’s Dominant Chase
KKR’s chase was a masterclass in aggressive batting. Rahmanullah Gurbaz began the innings with a crisp boundary, setting the tone for the pursuit. Although Narine’s aggressive intent led to an early dismissal, Venkatesh Iyer ensured there were no jitters in the KKR camp.
Venkatesh Iyer’s onslaught was breathtaking. He dispatched Bhuvneshwar Kumar for two sixes and a four in one over, rapidly bringing up KKR’s fifty within the powerplay. Gurbaz, while more sedate, provided steady support as Venkatesh continued his rampage. By the end of the powerplay, KKR had raced to 72 for one.
Swift Finish
Post-powerplay, Gurbaz shifted gears, taking on the spinners and ensuring KKR’s run rate never dipped. He was eventually dismissed for 39, but by then, KKR was already on the brink of victory.
Venkatesh Iyer reached his half-century off just 24 balls, and fittingly hit the winning runs. His explosive innings ensured KKR crossed the finish line in just 10.3 overs, clinching their third IPL title. The KKR camp erupted in joyous celebration, marking a historic win at the same venue where they had first tasted IPL glory in 2012.
Key Performances | KKR vs SRH
KKR’s Bowling Brilliance
- Mitchell Starc: Starc’s early breakthroughs (3/21) were crucial, setting the tone for KKR’s dominance. His dismissal of Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi were vital blows to SRH’s batting lineup.
- Vaibhav Arora: Arora’s spell (2/29) complemented Starc perfectly, ensuring sustained pressure on SRH.
- Andre Russell: Russell’s all-round performance, particularly his bowling (2/18), dismantled SRH’s middle order.
KKR’s Batting Masterclass
- Venkatesh Iyer: Venkatesh’s 54 not out off 26 balls was a match-winning knock, characterized by aggressive stroke play and strategic hitting.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: His steady 39 provided the perfect foil to Venkatesh’s aggression, ensuring a smooth chase for KKR.
Post-Match Celebrations and Reflections in KKR vs SRH
The celebrations were a testament to KKR’s comprehensive performance in the final. The team’s management and fans were jubilant as they relished their third IPL title. The KKR vs SRH final will be remembered for the dominant display by the bowlers and the explosive batting that followed.
KKR vs SRH Player of the Match: Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc was adjudged the Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance. His early breakthroughs set the tone for KKR’s dominance. Starc’s spell was a masterclass in fast bowling, and his ability to deliver under pressure was instrumental in KKR’s victory.
Player of the Series in KKR vs SRH
Throughout the tournament, Sunil Narine of KKR showcased his all-round skills, scoring 488 runs and taking 17 wickets.
KKR’s Road to the Final
KKR’s journey to the final was marked by consistent performances throughout the season. Their bowlers, led by Starc, Narine, and Chakaravarthy, were pivotal in their success. The batting line-up, with contributions from Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ensured that KKR was a formidable force. The team’s balance and depth were evident in their performance in the final.
SRH’s Campaign and Final Hurdle
Sunrisers Hyderabad had a commendable campaign, making it to the final with some stellar performances. However, the final hurdle proved too challenging. The early dismissals of their key players and the inability to build partnerships cost them dearly. Despite the loss, SRH can take pride in their journey to the final and the performances that got them there.
Looking Ahead
As the TATA IPL 2024 concludes, teams will reflect on their performances and look to build for the next season. The KKR vs SRH final showcased the high level of competition and talent in the league. Both teams will look to retain their core players and make strategic additions to their squads for the upcoming season.
Conclusion | KKR vs SRH
The KKR vs SRH final of the TATA IPL 2024 was a testament to KKR’s dominance and strategic brilliance. Their all-round performance, highlighted by Starc’s exceptional bowling and Venkatesh Iyer’s explosive batting, secured their third IPL title. The victory was celebrated with much fanfare, as KKR once again etched their name in IPL history.
