NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders delivered a masterclass in bowling, restricting Sunrisers Hyderabad to a mere 113 runs to pave the way for an emphatic eight-wicket triumph on Sunday, securing their third Indian Premier League title.
Australian speedster Mitchell Starc led the charge, unsettling Sunrisers Hyderabad's top-order with figures of 2-14, while every KKR bowler contributed to the onslaught, culminating in the most aggressive batting team of the season being dismissed for the lowest-ever total in IPL finals history.
In reply, Venkatesh Iyer showcased his firepower with a blistering unbeaten 52 off just 26 balls, guiding KKR to victory at 114-2 in only 10.3 overs, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributing 39 runs from 32 balls.
1/9:Kolkata Knight Riders beat Sunrisers Hyderabad to lift IPL 2024 title
<p>Kolkata Knight Riders beat Sunrisers Hyderabad to lift IPL 2024 title</p>Getty Images
2/9:Dominant Performance
<p>Kolkata Knight Riders dismantled Sunrisers Hyderabad, bowling them out for 113 runs to secure an eight-wicket victory and their third IPL title.</p>Getty Images
3/9:Starc's Impact
<p>Mitchell Starc, a $2.9 million signing, rattled Hyderabad’s top order with 2-14, contributing significantly to the lowest total in IPL finals history.</p>PTI
4/9:Venkatesh Iyer Shines
<p>Venkatesh Iyer led Kolkata to victory with an unbeaten 52 off 26 balls, supported by Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 39 off 32.</p>PTI
5/9:Captain's Pride
<p>Kolkata captain Shreyas Iyer praised his team's comprehensive performance and cumulative effort throughout the flawless season.</p>PTI
6/9:Historical Success
<p>Kolkata, previously winning titles in 2012 and 2014, dominated this season by topping the league stage with nine wins from 14 games.</p>Getty Images
7/9:World Cup Preparation
<p>Starc and Cummins will now join Australia’s squad for the Twenty20 World Cup, starting with the USA vs Canada match in Dallas.</p>Getty Images
8/9:Early Wickets
<p>Hyderabad's early collapse to 47-4 in the first seven overs was driven by impeccable bowling from Starc, Harshit Rana, and Vaibhav Arora.</p>PTI
9/9:Heartbreak for Hyderabad
<p>Despite setting IPL batting records this season, Hyderabad were bowled out for their lowest total at a venue where Kolkata had memorable victories.</p>PTIFollowing the win, KKR captain Shreyas Iyer expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support.
Iyer also won hearts by personally acknowledging the cheerleaders and thanking them.
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KKR, previously crowned champions in 2012 and 2014, dominated the IPL season by finishing atop the league stage with nine wins from 14 matches.
After the title win, captain Shreyas Iyer hailed his team's performance, describing them as "invincibles" throughout the season.
"Absolutely comprehensive (the win). We played like invincibles throughout the season. There's so much to cherish right now. This is what we demanded from the team and every individual," Shreyas said during the post-match presentation.
"They stood up to the right occasion and the feeling is hard to express. It is pleasing, the performance has been flawless throughout. I am running out of words right now," he added.
