The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won the IPL 2024 season’s first last-ball thriller on Saturday, defeating the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) by four runs at Eden Gardens in an unpredictable game.
Andre Russell and Heinrich Klaasen, two of the world’s most dangerous T20 hitters, put on a show of power hitting. The West Indies all-rounder led the hosts to a huge 207-7 with an astonishing hit of 64* off 25.
The goal of 208 appeared a little too much for SRH, who continued losing wickets at regular intervals. Heinrich Klaasen, on the other hand, went into beast mode and hammered 63 (29) to put his side on the verge of a historic victory.
The Knight Riders needed inspiration, which was given by teenager Harshit Rana, who bowled a brilliant last over to help the hosts cross the line. On that topic, let’s look at three instances from the IPL 2024 game that drew fans’ attention on social media.
3. Andre Russell’s monstrous sixes
While Andre Russell’s big-hitting skill is undeniable, the West Indies all-rounder is frequently forced to confront wrist-spin due to a possible unfavorable match-up. Opposing teams usually always maintain at least one overhand wrist spin against Russell.
It was also the idea on Saturday, when SRH brought back Mayank Markande in the sixteenth over. Russell has previously been guilty of crossing the line and been castled by a wristspinner. However, such was not the case this time, as he picked when to attack.
Russell defended a pair of Markande deliveries while leaving a broader ball undefended. However, he plucked the bones out of whatever was in his path and smashed three sixes.
He batted till the final ball of the innings, picking and choosing the ideal time to attack.
2. Heinrich Klaasen tears into Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc, an Australian fast, had a poor IPL debut, conceding 53 runs in four overs, including 26 in his final over, when Heinrich Klaasen took him apart.
Heinrich Klaasen has demonstrated over the previous year that when he gets into a flow, no one can stop him, including Starc. He pushed the Australian over cow corner twice in the 19th over and completed his half-century with an amazing six over the covers.
Fans were captivated by how the South African star almost saved SRH from loss.
1. Harshit Rana the hero
Heinrich Klaasen and Shahbaz Ahmed’s teamwork rescued SRH from a near-certain defeat. When Klaasen smacked a short ball from Harshit Rana for a six over square leg, it appeared to be a simple scenario for SRH, who needed only seven runs off five.
However, the young bowler opted for slower balls, hitting with Shahbaz’ wicket, and with five runs needed from two overs, Suyash Sharma’s spectacular catch halted Klaasen’s devastation.
In his debut game as SRH captain, Pat Cummins required a six off the final ball to win. However, Harshit’s slower ball strategy meant Cummins couldn’t even put bat to ball.
The KKR players, coaching staff, and supporters were in a state of frenzy as the game began to slip away from them. Harshit Rana, on the other hand, was revved up, and the thrilling final over helped his team cross the finish line.