The Kolkata Knight Riders became the first team to qualify for IPL 2024 playoffs after their win against MI in a rain-hit game at the Eden Gardens. With their ninth win of the season, KKR became the first side to seal their spot in the playoffs, with other teams still in the battle to seal the three other spots available. The bowlers did an amazing job in keeping the MI batters in check, with Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana and Andre Russell picking two wickets each.
The misery continued for former MI skipper Rohit Sharma as his poor run with the bat saw no breakthrough. After a brilliant outing with a hundred in the previous game, Suryakumar Yadav failed to deliver for the team this time. Ishan Kishan managed to shine after having a below-par season with MI in 2024 but failed to allow his efforts to translate to a win for his side. On that note, let’s take a look at some of the eyeball-grabbing headlines from Saturday.
KKR defy odds to reach IPL 2024 playoffs
The Kolkata Knight Riders are through. The Shreyas Iyer-led side is the first team to qualify for the IPL 2024 Playoffs after beating the Mumbai Indians by 18 runs at the Eden Gardens. Playing their last home game, the Knights put on an incredible display, defending a 157-run target successfully.
Bumrah magic leaves Narine stunned
Jasprit Bumrah took a stellar wicket to dismiss KKR opener Sunil Narine on a golden duck after a delayed start to the game. He charged in with the first ball of the second over, delivering a yorker first up just outside off. Narine presumably assumed it would continue to disappear with the angle and raised his arms. But it was only to see the ball tail in just enough to rattle the base of the off stump. The Knights were down to 10/2.
DC left Pant-less for clash vs RCB
All-rounder Axar Patel will lead the Delhi Capitals in their next tie against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This comes after skipper Rishabh Pant was handed a one-match suspension and a fine for maintaining slow-over rate against Rajasthan Royals. DC will square off against RCB on Sunday in a do or die match that will determine their qualification to the IPL 2024 playoffs.
Runs, tons and more ft. IPL 2024
Since Brendon McCullum’s explosive 158* marked the start of the IPL on April 18, 2008, it’s been quite a journey to reach the 100th-century milestone. Shubman Gill achieved this feat against CSK at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 10, 2024. Surprisingly, while it took 16 years for the initial 80 centuries, the last 20 came in just one year.
Another new replacement surfaces
Gujarat Titans made a small change in their squad as they announced Gurnor Brar as a replacement for Sushant Mishra. Although things have not been clearly specified as to why Mishra was replaced. Speaking about Gurnoor, he is considered an emerging pacer, having played for Punjab in domestic cricket in five First-Class and one List A match.
Not so fine, Gill
Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill’s leadership faced a setback during their IPL 2024 match against the Chennai Super Kings. Shubman Gill was fined a hefty sum for his team’s sluggish over rate, but the Titans managed to overcome this hurdle and secure a crucial victory.
