In the historic 2024 IPL final, Kolkata Knight Riders' formidable bowling attack extinguished the Sunrisers Hyderabad's batting prowess, bundling them out for a paltry 113 runs within 18.3 overs, marking the lowest total in an IPL final. The Knight Riders' tactical precision and impeccable execution rendered SRH's explosive batting lineup ineffective, shattering their hopes of triumph.
Mitchell Starc, the spearhead of KKR's bowling attack, spearheaded the demolition, claiming two crucial wickets for a mere 14 runs. His devastating outswinger sent Travis Head packing for a golden duck on the very first ball he faced, setting the tone for SRH's batting collapse. Earlier, Starc had dismissed Abhishek Sharma in the first over, his inswinging delivery finding the top of the off stump, leaving SRH reeling at a precarious 6/2.
Andre Russell, the Jamaican all-rounder, proved equally menacing, snaring three wickets for 19 runs. His variations and raw pace proved too much for the SRH batters, who struggled to counter his incisive bowling. Markram, one of SRH's most dangerous hitters, fell prey to Russell's guile, dismissed in the 11th over, leaving SRH floundering at 62/5.
Harshit Rana, KKR's emerging star, complemented Starc and Russell's brilliance, claiming two wickets for 24 runs. His clever changes of pace and nagging accuracy kept the SRH batters on the back foot, preventing them from building any substantial partnerships.
SRH's batting lineup, renowned for its explosive power, was nullified by KKR's disciplined bowling. The Hyderabad-based franchise, expected to light up the final with their aggressive batting, found themselves stifled and outplayed by the Knight Riders' bowling masterclass.
With the victory, KKR etched their name in IPL history, becoming the first team to restrict their opponents to the lowest total in a final. Their bowlers' exceptional performance showcased the importance of precision, variety, and unwavering determination in the high-stakes world of T20 cricket.
