The Kolkata Knight Riders claimed their third Indian Premier League title with a dominant eight-wicket victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. Australian bowler Mitchell Starc played a key role in the win, bowling a sensational opening spell and finishing with figures of 2-14. Starc, who was bought for a record $2.98 million in the auction, proved his worth with two stellar performances in the playoffs.
Kolkata’s batsmen made light work of the chase, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Venkatesh Iyer forging a crucial partnership of 91 runs. Iyer, in particular, played a blistering innings, reaching his fifty in just 24 balls. His unbeaten 52 sealed the victory for Kolkata with 9.3 overs to spare. The team finished at the top of the table in the league phase, showcasing their dominance throughout the tournament.
Skipper Shreyas Iyer and the rest of the Kolkata players celebrated their victory on the pitch as they clinched their second title at the venue. The near-capacity crowd at the stadium cheered on the team as they lifted the trophy. Kolkata made key signings in the form of Starc and mentor Gautam Gambhir to bolster their squad, with Gambhir being a former captain who led the team to previous successes.
On the other hand, Hyderabad, led by skipper Pat Cummins, decided to bat first after winning the toss. However, their batting lineup struggled against Starc’s fiery bowling spell. The top-order collapsed early on, with Starc taking crucial wickets to leave Hyderabad reeling at 47-4. Despite some resistance from Cummins and others, Hyderabad could only manage a paltry total of 113, the lowest in an IPL final.
In conclusion, Kolkata Knight Riders’ victory in the IPL final was a testament to their all-round performance, with Starc’s brilliance with the ball setting up the win. The team’s strong batting lineup, led by Iyer and supported by Gurbaz, ensured a comfortable chase to secure the title. Kolkata’s strategy of shoring up their squad with key signings paid off, as they lifted the trophy in style. The win marked a memorable moment in the team’s history and a fitting end to a successful IPL campaign.
