Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) allrounder Andre Russell stepped up to the plate during the IPL 2024 final clash with the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). He made his mark by dismissing Abdul Samad who had seized the spotlight as an impact substitute. Samad managed a mere four runs from four deliveries.
SRH elected to put Samad in as an impact substitution with a score of 71/6. They had anticipated that the kid would create a good combination with Heinrich Klaasen. Russell, on the other hand, delivered another key breakthrough in the middle overs for his team.
Andre Russell produced a solid length delivery with some additional bounce that took the outside edge of Abdul Samad, who attempted a cover drive. The ball appeared to be heading towards the third man boundary, but wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz made a spectacular diving catch. Here is a video of the dismissal.
Aside from Samad, Andre Russell sent the dangerous Aiden Markram back to the pavilion, demonstrating why he was such an important all-rounder for KKR.
KKR in complete control as SRH surrender for 113
Pat Cummins having won the toss chose to bat first with the intention of replicating their success in the previous victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR). Despite their efforts the Kolkata Knight Riders bowlers displayed remarkable precision thwarting any momentum for the opposing team.
Mitchell Starc dismissed Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi, while Vaibhav Arora caught Travis Head for a golden duck. Aiden Markram briefly threatened to swing the tide in SRH’s favor, but Andre Russell and the spinners tightened Kolkata’s grasp.
Russell finished with great numbers of 3/19. SunRisers have only 113 to defend against Kolkata’s powerful batting lineup.
