Kolkata Knight Riders registered a convincing eight-wicket victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League 2024. The table toppers produced an electrifying display at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. The team advanced to their fourth final. Kolkata bowlers set up the incredible victory, dismissing SRH for a mere 159 runs before Venkatesh and Shreyas Iyer stitched an unbeaten 97-run stand to complete the chase in 13.4 overs.
Pat Cummins, who is leading SRH, had silenced the Indian crowd by leading Australia to their sixth World Cup title. However, he couldn’t repeat the same result in IPL. Hyderabad had a disastrous start as Mitchell Starc took three wickets with the new ball, including Travis Head, who was removed for a duck in the second ball of the match.
Rahul Tripathi’s explosive 35-ball 55 and his 62-run partnership with Heinrich Klaasen did manage to add some meaning to SRH’s innings, but KKR responded brilliantly. Hyderabad lost next five wickets in 30 balls.
The two-time champions KKR lost their two openers in the first seven overs, but thanks to fiery half centuries from Venkatesh and captain Shreyas, who managed to chase down 160.
Following the game, KKR co-owner took a victory lap to thank.yhe supporters. He was accompanied by daughter Suhana, and son AbRam. SRK unintentionally disturbed the live telecast of former India players Aakash Chopra, Parthiv Patel and Suresh Raina.
However, he was quick to say sorry and hugged the legendary cricketers.
Suhana was holding her brother’s hand. Meanwhile, Aakash lauded Shah Rukh Khan.
KKR will now have to wait to play the winner of Qualifier 2 in the final on May 26 at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium. SRH, on the other hand, will play the winner of the eliminator in Qualifier 2 on Friday in Chennai.