Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Shreyas Iyer stood tall for his team in a must-win match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He scored a superb half-century against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1. It will be held at the Narendra Modi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Chasing a target of 160 runs, Kolkata Knight Riders lost both their openers in quick succession after the start. Just then Shreyas Iyer walked into the middle and slotted comfortably. The Indian batsman soaked up all the pressure and got him out of a tricky phase.
Once Shreyas Iyer got involved, it was difficult to stop him. This was very evident in the way he took his team to the Narendra Modi International Stadium in Ahmedabad after the match. He hit Travis Head for 22 runs off just four balls on the 14th hole.
Shreyas Iyer started the over with a big six. Travis Head bowled a delivery to leg that the batsman swiped at full over deep mid-wicket. In the next ball, Kolkata Knight Riders hit a boundary in the same area at the Narendra Modi International Stadium in Ahmedabad.
But Shreyas Iyer did not stop there and hit another maximum off the third ball. Travis Head again bowled a leg-tossed delivery and the batsman smashed it over the deep middle of the wicket to put pressure on the Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers.
Shreyas Iyer ensured that he finished the match successfully. In the fourth over, Travis Head bowled a toss-up delivery and the Kolkata Knight Riders skipper bowled it at long on to seal the match within 15 overs at the Narendra Modi International Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Shreyas Iyer played an unbeaten innings of 58 off just 24 balls. He had a strikeout rate over .241 and hit five fours and four sixes in an inning. He shared an unbeaten partnership of 97 runs with Venkatesh Iyer (51*) and the duo won it for their team with 38 balls to spare.
Now we have a realistic chance of winning the trophy – Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer spoke about reaching the finals of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 after the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He said this was a dream moment for them and they now had a real chance of winning the trophy.
Venkatesh Iyer added that he was energized for the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Speaking to the broadcaster, he explained:
“Playing in the IPL final is always special for players like us and it is a dream moment for us as we look forward to heading to Chennai. Now we have a realistic chance of winning the trophy.
“We were eager to get out there when you really have the momentum to get out there. You see Rinku fielding hot spots and making those catches. It’s exciting for us to get out there and perform.”
Kolkata Knight Riders have booked their place for the final to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. Attention is being paid to who will meet them in the finals.
