Mitchell Starc unleashed a fiery performance as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowled out Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for 159 in the IPL 2024 Qualifier 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. After an inconsistent league phase, Starc asserted his dominance on a night that mattered most, securing KKR’s place in the IPL 2024 Final.
Mitchell Starc’s spectacular spell of 3/34 in 4 overs dismantled SRH’s top order, particularly during the powerplay with the new ball. The Australian pacer claimed the crucial wickets of Travis Head, Nitish Reddy, and Shahbaz Ahmed, stifling SRH’s batting lineup early on.
Speaking on the performance, Starc reflected on their consistency throughout IPL 2024 as he wished to lift the elusive IPL trophy.
”I think we have been really consistent in the tournament and tonight we find ourselves making it through to the finals. and hopefully, in a few days’ time we can be successful in the finals as well ”. said Starc in a post-match interview.
“We know how important the powerplay is. These are the two sides who have dominated in the powerplay with the bat. We needed to pick early wickets and get into their middle order,” added. Starc
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Mitchell Starc wreaks havoc on SRH top-order
Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma had been a formidable duo throughout the IPL, amassing over 660 runs as an opening pair with an incredible strike rate exceeding 220. However, Starc’s brilliance disrupted their momentum.
Head, the IPL’s third-highest run-getter, struggled when he attempted a wild swing against Starc. The tall Australian delivered a ball that nipped away after pitching, knocking down the off and middle stumps, sending Head back for his second consecutive duck. This early breakthrough set the tone for KKR’s bowling attack.
“Their (Head and Abhishek) partnership has been the key for them and to get both of them out cheaply, it’s really pleasing,” Starc said.
Next, Starc targeted Reddy, bouncing him out with wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz making a straightforward catch. This dismissal further dented SRH’s hopes of a strong start. Shahbaz Ahmed followed soon after, chopping a delivery onto his stumps while trying to guide it to the third man.
