In the high-stakes Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday (May 26), SRH captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to set a formidable target. However, the decision quickly backfired as KKR’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc, unleashed a devastating opening spell.
Early breakthrough by Mitchell Starc
SRH’s explosive opening duo, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, known for their destructive performances throughout the season, faced a challenging task against KKR’s pace attack spearheaded by Starc. Starc wasted no time in making an impact. On the fifth ball of the innings, he delivered a perfect length ball that pitched on the middle stump and tailed away at the last moment. Abhishek, who had been in sublime form, was completely deceived. The ball breached his defenses and clipped the top of the off-stump, leaving Abhishek stunned and bowled for just 2 runs. Starc’s brilliant outswinger set the tone for KKR, drawing first blood and putting SRH on the back foot from the outset.
Here’s the video:
AN ABSOLUTE RIPPER! 🤩
As spectacular as it gets from Mitchell Starc ⚡️
He gets the in-form Abhishek Sharma early 🔥
Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia 💻📱#TATAIPL | #KKRvSRH | #Final | #TheFinalCall pic.twitter.com/K5w9WIywuR
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 26, 2024
𝐔𝐍𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 ft. Starc ⚡#KKRvSRH #TATAIPL #IPLonJioCinema #IPLFinalonJioCinema #IPLFinal pic.twitter.com/QzpNlc0qFi
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) May 26, 2024
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Important strike from Vaibhav Arora
Following Abhishek’s dismissal, SRH’s troubles compounded quickly. Vaibhav Arora, bowling with precision, sent back the dangerous Travis Head for a golden duck. Arora bowled a short-pitched outswinger that found the edge of Head’s bat, and the ball flew straight into the gloves of wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz. With Head’s departure, SRH found themselves in deep trouble, losing both openers with just 2 runs on the board.
Starc’s double blow
Starc wasn’t done yet. Returning for his next over, he continued his lethal spell by dismissing the explosive Rahul Tripathi. Tripathi, known for his aggressive batting, was undone by Starc’s pace, managing only a brief stay at the crease. With SRH reduced to 40/3 by the end of the powerplay, Starc’s double blow had significantly dented SRH’s chances of posting a competitive total.
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