The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in a one-sided affair, defeating the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by a convincing 8 wickets in the much-anticipated IPL 2024 final. This emphatic win marks KKR’s third IPL championship title, a feat achieved after a decade-long wait.
SRH Falter Early, Lowest Total in IPL Final History
Echoing scenes from the previous year’s World Cup Final, SRH skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat first. However, this decision backfired spectacularly on a slow Chepauk track. Mitchell Starc, the KKR pace spearhead acquired for a hefty Rs. 24.75 Crore, justified his price tag by dismissing the in-form Abhishek Sharma in the very first over. This early setback set the tone for the SRH innings, which never recovered.
Young gun Vaibhav Arora followed Starc’s lead, removing another key batsman, Travis Head, in the second over. The SRH batting order crumbled thereafter, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Promising starts from Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen fizzled out as KKR’s bowling attack maintained relentless pressure. A late cameo from Pat Cummins himself helped push the SRH total past the 100-run mark.
KKR’s bowling attack shone brightly. Vaibhav Arora emerged as the pick of the bowlers, claiming impressive figures of 4 wickets for just 24 runs in his 3 overs. The rest of the bowling unit chipped in effectively, restricting SRH to a paltry 113 runs â the lowest-ever recorded first-innings total in an IPL final.
KKR Scripts Record-Breaking Chase, Clinches Trophy with Ease
In stark contrast to SRH’s struggles, KKR’s chase was a masterclass in domination. Opener Venkatesh Iyer unleashed a blistering knock, smashing four sixes and four boundaries in just 16 balls against Bhuvneshwar Kumar. This aggressive display propelled KKR to the highest powerplay score in an IPL final â a staggering 72 runs for the loss of just one wicket.
Iyer continued his onslaught, reaching a well-deserved 50 off just 24 balls. With the target within easy reach, KKR cruised to victory, losing just two wickets in the process. This record-breaking chase, completed with 57 balls to spare, sealed KKR’s emphatic triumph.
A Night of Records and Redemption for KKR
The IPL 2024 final will be remembered for KKR’s all-around dominance. Their bowling attack dismantled the SRH batting line-up, while the chase epitomized clinical execution. Venkatesh Iyer’s power-packed innings not only secured the win but also etched his name in the IPL record books.
This victory marks a significant moment for KKR, signifying their return to the pinnacle of IPL cricket after a decade. The team displayed exceptional cohesion and a never-say-die attitude throughout the tournament, culminating in a well-deserved championship victory.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
