The Knight Riders were propelled into the IPL final with a powerful eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad, thanks to three Mitchell Starc blows.
In Ahmedabad’s sun-baked ground, the two-time champions – Kolkata Knight Riders – demonstrated their superiority by dismissing Hyderabad for 159 runs. Starc took an influential role by bagging 3 wickets for only 34 runs on May 9 during qualifier 1 of the first playoff at the world’s biggest cricket stadium.
KKR reached the finals and Gautam Gambir, a team mentor sent a message through his social media page: “May 26 calls for purple wave! Come on #KorboLorboJeetboRe KKR fam!.”
Qualifier 2 in Chennai this Friday will see Sunrisers Hyderabad getting another bite at securing their place in the final against the Eliminator winner.
Starc justified his price after becoming IPL’s most expensive player during last December’s auction when he was acquired by KKR for Rs.24.75 crores.
KKR battered Rajasthan Royals to win by nine wickets with Venkatesh Iyer unbeaten on 51 and Shreyas Iyer not out on 58 off just 38 deliveries at Ahmedabad.
On Wednesday, Rajasthan Royals will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator at the same venue.
