SRH vs KKR Match Highlights: IPL 2024 Final

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ended their decade-long wait for an IPL trophy with a dominant win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2024 final. KKR clinched their third title with an impressive all-round performance, securing an eight-wicket victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, May 26. Venkatesh Iyer's unbeaten 52 runs off 26 balls led the charge as KKR chased down a target of 114 in just 10.3 overs. Earlier, SRH was bowled out for 113 in 18.3 overs, with Andre Russell taking three crucial wickets.

SRH’s Struggle with the Bat

Opting to bat first, SRH faced an immediate setback when opener Abhishek Sharma was bowled by Mitchell Starc in the first over, setting the tone for a challenging innings. SRH’s troubles compounded as Vaibhav Arora dismissed Travis Head, reducing them to 11/2 within the first three overs. The pressure mounted as Rahul Tripathi was caught off Starc’s bowling, leaving SRH at a precarious 21/3.

The middle order, featuring Heinrich Klaasen and captain Aiden Markram, attempted to stabilise the innings but failed to build any significant partnerships. Klaasen’s dismissal for 13 and Markram’s for 14 epitomised SRH’s batting woes. Andre Russell's introduction into the attack further worsened SRH’s plight as he claimed the wickets of Shahbaz Ahmed, Abdul Samad, and Aiden Markram, restricting SRH to a modest total of 113. SRH were bowled out in 18.3 overs, with Russell finishing with figures of 3/19.

KKR’s Dominant Bowling Performance

KKR's bowlers showcased a clinical performance, starting with Mitchell Starc’s fiery opening spell. Starc set the tone by dismissing Abhishek Sharma with a lethal delivery that rattled the stumps. Vaibhav Arora complemented Starc’s efforts by sending Travis Head back to the pavilion with a sharp delivery. The bowlers maintained relentless pressure, and Starc struck again to dismiss Rahul Tripathi, leaving SRH in disarray at 21/3.

The middle-order collapse continued as Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen fell to disciplined bowling from KKR’s spinners, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. Andre Russell's late burst, claiming three wickets for 19 runs in just 2.3 overs, sealed SRH’s fate, ensuring they were bowled out for a paltry 113 in 18.3 overs.

Venkatesh Iyer’s Heroics with the Bat

Chasing a modest target of 114, KKR’s Venkatesh Iyer displayed exceptional batting prowess. Opening the innings with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Iyer took charge after the early dismissal of Sunil Narine, who was bowled by Pat Cummins for 6. Iyer's aggressive intent was evident as he smashed four boundaries and three sixes in his unbeaten 52 off 26 balls.

His partnership with Gurbaz, who scored a solid 39 before being trapped lbw by Shahbaz Ahmed, laid a strong foundation for KKR. Iyer's ability to find gaps and clear the boundary with ease ensured that KKR reached the target in just 10.3 overs, clinching an emphatic eight-wicket victory.