Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Match Scorecard

The grand finale of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 ended in a one-sided affair as the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad cruised to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The final, held at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on May 26, 2024, showcased KKR's dominance both with the ball and bat, securing their third IPL title in franchise history.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Struggle with the Bat

SRH, who had been in formidable form throughout the season, found themselves in deep trouble after opting to bat first. Their innings never quite got going as KKR’s bowlers came out all guns blazing. The tone was set in the very first over by Mitchell Starc, who dismissed in-form opener Abhishek Sharma for just 2 runs. The nightmare continued when Vaibhav Arora struck in the second over to remove Travis Head for a golden duck, leaving SRH reeling at 6/2.

The early blows rattled Hyderabad’s top order, and they never recovered. Rahul Tripathi tried to stabilize the innings but managed only 9 runs. Aiden Markram offered brief resistance with a 20-run knock, and Heinrich Klaasen added 16, but wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals. Skipper Pat Cummins fought valiantly towards the end, scoring 24 runs, but his efforts were not enough to lift SRH to a competitive total.

The entire team was bowled out for a paltry 113 runs in just 18.3 overs, their lowest total in an IPL final. The disciplined and aggressive bowling attack from KKR ensured that SRH were kept under constant pressure throughout their innings.

KKR Bowlers Shine in the Final

KKR’s bowling performance was clinical. Andre Russell led the charge with three wickets for 19 runs, bowling with pace and accuracy. Mitchell Starc, who had faced criticism earlier in the tournament for his hefty price tag, delivered a match-winning spell with figures of 2/14. His fiery opening burst dismantled the SRH top order and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Harshit Rana and Sunil Narine also chipped in with vital wickets, ensuring there was no let-up for the batting side. Varun Chakravarthy remained economical and bagged a crucial wicket as well, maintaining pressure through the middle overs.

Venkatesh Iyer Leads KKR’s Chase

Chasing a modest target of 114, KKR began cautiously but lost opener Sunil Narine for just 6 runs. However, the loss did little to dent their confidence as Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Venkatesh Iyer formed a solid partnership.

Gurbaz, playing his role perfectly, scored 39 off 32 balls, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. On the other hand, Venkatesh Iyer played a match-winning knock, smashing an unbeaten 52 off just 26 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. His aggressive yet calculated approach ensured that KKR remained ahead in the chase.

Shreyas Iyer, the KKR captain, contributed a calm and composed 6* to seal the win with 9.3 overs to spare. The comprehensive chase underscored KKR’s dominance in the final, as they wrapped up the match in quick time.

A Historic Win for KKR

With this victory, Kolkata Knight Riders claimed their third IPL title, adding to their previous wins in 2012 and 2014. It was also a significant moment for team mentor Gautam Gambhir, who had captained the team to both earlier titles. His return in a leadership capacity appears to have reignited the team’s fighting spirit and consistency.

KKR’s campaign throughout the 2024 season was marked by resilience, strategic leadership, and collective brilliance. From clinical bowling performances to explosive batting displays, the team functioned like a well-oiled machine.

Sunil Narine was awarded the Player of the Series for his all-round brilliance throughout the tournament. Whether opening the innings with explosive starts or stifling opponents with his spin bowling, Narine proved to be one of the most valuable assets for the team.

Looking Ahead

For Sunrisers Hyderabad, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. They had shown great promise all season and entered the final with confidence. However, their performance in the final was far from their best, and they will have to regroup and analyze what went wrong.

On the other hand, KKR’s commanding win serves as a reminder of the importance of peaking at the right time in a tournament. Their disciplined bowling, strategic acumen, and aggressive mindset ensured they ended the season as the undisputed champions.

As the dust settles on IPL 2024, fans of Kolkata Knight Riders have every reason to celebrate. With a blend of youth, experience, and tactical brilliance, KKR once again stands tall as one of the most successful franchises in IPL history.