KKR vs SRH: In a thrilling Qualifier 1 encounter, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched a decisive victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 8 wickets, securing their spot in the final.
Sunrisers Hyderabad batted first but struggled to build momentum, setting a target of 160 runs. In response, KKR showcased a commanding performance, finishing their innings at 164 for 2 in just 13.4 overs.
Key contributions came from the openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine. Gurbaz, the wicketkeeper-batter, scored a brisk 23 off 14 balls, including 2 fours and 2 sixes, before being caught by V Viyaskanth off T Natarajan. Narine added 21 runs off 16 balls, also falling to V Viyaskanth's catch, this time off Pat Cummins' bowling.
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The star of the chase was Venkatesh Iyer, who remained unbeaten with a stellar 51 off 28 balls, featuring 4 boundaries and 5 sixes. He was well-supported by the skipper, Shreyas Iyer, who played a captain’s knock, scoring an unbeaten 58 off 24 balls, laced with 5 fours and 4 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 241.67.
KKR's chase was further aided by 11 extras conceded by the SRH bowlers. The team reached the target comfortably with 8 wickets in hand and 38 balls to spare, marking a dominant performance and paving their way to the finals.
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