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Venkatesh Iyer and KKR Bowlers Dominate as Sunrisers Hyderabad Suffer Heavy Defeat
KKR Crush SRH by 80 Runs in a One-Sided Encounter
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) put up a dominant performance to dismantle Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their latest IPL 2024 clash. Venkatesh Iyer returned to form with a blistering half-century, while KKRтАЩs bowlers, led by Varun Chakaravarthy and Vaibhav Arora, demolished SRHтАЩs batting lineup. The comprehensive 80-run victory not only strengthened KKRтАЩs position in the tournament but also extended SRHтАЩs losing streak to three games.
Where KKR Sealed the Victory
The turning point in the match was SRHтАЩs disastrous start in the powerplay. Losing three wickets early put them on the back foot, and they never recovered. Unlike SRH, KKR managed to rebuild after early losses, thanks to a solid third-wicket stand between Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. This contrast in approach defined the outcome of the match.
PowerPlay: Early Blows Leave SRH in Disarray
KKRтАЩs Aggressive Start
KKR began their innings aggressively despite losing two early wickets. Sunil Narine launched Pat Cummins over long-on for six but fell shortly after, nicking one to Heinrich Klaasen. Quinton de Kock also fell early, dismissed by Mohammed Shami. However, Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi steadied the innings, ensuring KKR reached a solid 53/2 in six overs.
SRHтАЩs Struggles in the PowerPlay
SRH had a contrasting powerplay, losing three wickets for just 33 runs. Travis Head was dismissed in the very first over, miscuing a shot to Harshit Rana. Abhishek Sharma edged one to slip, while Vaibhav Arora sent Ishan packing, leaving SRH reeling at 9/3. They never recovered from this shaky start.
Middle Overs: KKR Spinners Dictate Terms
KKR Batters Build Momentum
In the middle phase, KKRтАЩs batters maintained a steady scoring rate. RaghuvanshiтАЩs attacking intent paid off as he took on Zeeshan Ansari, while RahaneтАЩs composure held the innings together. Raghuvanshi brought up a well-earned fifty before being dismissed by Kamindu Mendis.
SRH’s Batting Collapse Continues
Chasing a daunting 201, SRH needed a counterattack, but KKRтАЩs spinners ensured that didnтАЩt happen. Kamindu Mendis and Heinrich Klaasen tried to stabilize the innings, but wickets continued to fall. Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Vaibhav Arora kept the pressure on, and SRH found themselves struggling at 112/7 by the 14th over.
Death Overs: Venkatesh IyerтАЩs Carnage and SRHтАЩs Collapse
KKR Finish Strong
Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh capitalized in the final overs, with Iyer hammering a quick-fire 60 off 25 balls. His onslaught against Pat Cummins, including a six and a four in the final over, propelled KKR to a commanding total of 200/6. Rinku Singh and Andre Russell also made vital contributions.
SRHтАЩs Batting Meltdown
With 201 needed, SRHтАЩs lower order crumbled under pressure. Varun Chakaravarthy struck twice in consecutive balls, dismissing Pat Cummins and Simarjeet Singh. SRH were all out for 120 in 16.4 overs, handing KKR an emphatic 80-run victoryтАФSRHтАЩs worst defeat in IPL history.
Match Summary
Kolkata Knight Riders: 200/6 in 20 overs (Venkatesh Iyer 60, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 50, Ajinkya Rahane 38; Mohammed Shami 1-29)
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 120 in 16.4 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 33; Varun Chakaravarthy 3-22, Vaibhav Arora 3-29)
Result: KKR won by 80 runs.
WhatтАЩs Next?
Sunrisers Hyderabad will aim to bounce back when they face Gujarat Titans on April 6. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders get a well-earned break before hosting Lucknow Super Giants on April 8.
For detailed match statistics and analysis, visit ESPN Cricinfo
