Kolkata Knight Riders finished a formidable season by thrashing Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets to win the IPL 2024.
Group stage winners KKR took full advantage of SRH posting the lowest total in an IPL title, registering only 113 at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium as Andre Russell took 3-19 and Mitchell Starc 2-14.
There was a hint of early concern for KKR when their first wicket fell with 11 runs on the board, Sunile Narine caught by Shahbaz Ahmed off a Pat Cummins delivery.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz had taken KKR past 100 with a six by the time he departed for 39, and Venkatesh Iyer finished on 52 as they sealed their first triumph since 2014.
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“I don’t have the words to explain right now,” Russell said. “It means so much with all the fans supporting us throughout since the start of the season.
“We have been going game after game and getting the job done. All of us were disciplined and just wanted the same goals.
“This franchise has done so much for me, helping with my fitness. This is a big gift to all of them, so I’m so happy.”
The moment Kolkata Knight Riders became IPL CHAMPIONS! 👑 PIC.TWITTER.COM/YFFNEYAUZ1
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) MAY 26, 2024
Starc set KKR off to a flying start by dismissing opener Abhishek Sharma in the first over, while Harshit Rana also took two wickets on a terrific day for Kolkata’s bowlers.
Having taken 20 points to top the table, KKR beat SRH by eight wickets five days before the final when the teams met in Qualifier 1.
SRH had pushed KKR earlier in the season, losing the fixture by four runs on March 23, but their prospects of avenging those two defeats seemed to fade from the moment Sharma made way.
KKR claimed their third IPL title over opponents who finished three points behind them, while SRH wait for a second glory to add to their 2016 title goes on.
