KKR VS SRH QUALIFIER 1

Right then, we have our first finalists of the 2024 Indian T20 League and it is Kolkata who will be playing their fourth final, having won 2 and lost one in their previous three finals. There are still three teams who will be playing it out for that second spot in the mega event and first up it will be Rajasthan, an under-pressure side taking on Bengaluru, the most in-form side currently in the tournament in the Eliminator game which will be played on this same ground. That game will be played on Wednesday, 22 May and will begin at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). As usual, you can join us a lot sooner for the build-up to that exciting game. Cheers!

Mitchell Starc is the Player of the Match for his sensational spell upfront. Starc says that they know how important the Powerplay is and taking early wickets against a team like Hyderabad is always crucial. Adds that the way Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma have been playing, the lines and lengths become important and the key was to bowl at the stumps and not give width. On Head's wicket, he says that to see his back early was nice and adds that they have a young attack and some haven't even played and being a senior member in the side, he wants to help howsoever he can and goes on to applaud the likes of Harshit Rana.

The skipper of Kolkata, Shreyas Iyer says that he is elated by the performance. Adds that the way the boys stood up for each other was pleasing to see. Feels that the break was important for them due to the hectic travelling. Tells that the talk was to stay in the present and maximize the opportunities. Adds that the attitude and approach of the bowlers was to look for wickets. Shares that the guys in his team have been true to their work ethics and have not been taking things lightly. Hopes to continue the momentum into the final. Says that Rahmanullah Gurbaz had an impactful knock in the Powerplay.  Adds that it is important that they go back and enjoy the moment as they have won a crucial game. Ends by saying that they need to be in the zone for the final and give their best.

The presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat first on a track that had a bit of moisture and there was a chance of dew later on as well. This decision quickly backfired as both of Hyderabad's prolific openers were cheaply dismissed and they found themselves in disarray. With Mitchell Starc spitting fire from one end, Hyderabad needed someone to lead the charge and that was done by Rahul Tripathi and for a while in the middle, Tripathi and Heinrich Klaasen got Hyderabad into a position of promise. However, it all came crumbling down soon enough when Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed Klaasen and then a huge mix-up between Abdul Samad and Tripathi saw the latter get out when on a roll. Cummins did extremely well to carry his team to over 150 runs but it just didn't seem enough. This was proved correct as Kolkata put on a stellar show with the bat and chased down the total inside 15 overs.

Venkatesh Iyer, one of the stars of the chase is down for a chat now. Venky says that more than the confidence, he was more eager to go out and showcase his talent as they hadn't played a game in a long time and the credit should go to the bowlers who restricted the opposition to 160 runs which didn't even seem possible. Adds that momentum is key in this tournament which they have seen with Bengaluru and that's what they wanted with this game as they had lost momentum due to rain in the last couple of games and the spirits were high as they got a pep talk from the coaching staff and even the owners. Adds that it is always special to play in the Final and playing in front of such amazing crowds and are looking to lift that trophy soon.

The captain of Hyderabad, Pat Cummins is down for a chat. He says that they need to put this defeat behind them quickly. Mentions that it was one of those days where it did not work out for them. States that a few guys did not get starts and could not do it with the ball either. Feels that they would have loved to bring Umran Malik as the Impact Player but with wickets falling, they had to bring in an extra batter in the form of Sanvir Singh. Reckons that after a defeat like this, going to a new venue will help and hopes to turn things around in Chennai.

Hyderabad went into the mid-innings break with a paltry total on board but it wasn't the worst one and was somewhat defendable as well. However, the luck quite wasn't on their side and then when the chances did come, they were sloppy in the field as well, dropping a couple of catches in the process. They did pick up a wicket in the Powerplay but Pat Cummins' decision to bowl with the new ball backfired and his first over went for plenty which didn't help Hyderabad either. With the Impact Player already used in the batting innings, they couldn't bring on someone like Jaydev Unadkat or Umran Malik and only T Natarajan bowled a decent spell. With their fate almost decided, Pat tossed the ball to a couple of part-timers, accepting defeat and in the blink of an eye, the game was actually over.

KOLKATA MARCH INTO THE FINAL! What a knockout blow from the top dogs in the tournament and they have flexed their muscles and have made Hyderabad look like a hapless side, giving them a bitter taste of their own medicine. Needing 160 to chase on a pitch that looked much better to bat on, Kolkata only needed a good start in the Powerplay to get ahead in the game and that is exactly what they got. Rahmanullah Gurbaz filled the gap left by Phil Salt with a quickfire cameo upfront and set the tone for the rest of the innings. Sunil Narine wasn't at his fluent best but still got the runs away and then, the Iyers - Shreyas and Venkatesh, just smashed it to all parts of the ground. Venkatesh Iyer has been a resurgent player in the season and on almost every occasion has stepped up when the opening pair haven't been at their best. Shreyas Iyer too came out with a positive mindset and probably played his best knock of the tournament just one game before the final which will be scary for the other teams. All in all, a sublime performance and Kolkata can now take a day or two off before setting their eyes on the Grand Finale.

SIX! THAT'S IT! KOLKATA ARE THROUGH TO THE FINAL! Shreyas Iyer finishes it in a hurry and takes Kolkata to their fourth Indian T20 League final. Travis Head continues to give the ball air but the line is around off, Shreyas Iyer picks it up cleanly and stays low to make the connection. Smashes it over long on and the fielder on the boundary can only watch it sailing over his head. Kolkata cruise home with 6.2 overs to spare and it is all smiles in their camp!

SIX! BOOM! Shreyas Iyer gets to his FIFTY now! The skipper clears the fence effortlessly to get to his half-century. Travis Head lobs it up, a hit-me delivery, full and on the pads, Shreyas Iyer leaves nothing in the tank and tonks it over deep mid-wicket for six more runs. Just 2 runs away now.

13.2: Travis Head to Shreyas Iyer, FOUR! That has rocketed to the fence! Floats it up, full and on the pads, Shreyas Iyer presses forward and whips it wide of long on for a boundary. 150 comes up for Kolkata.

SIX! In the arc and out of the park! Loopy delivery, full and right in the arc for the right-hander, Shreyas Iyer needs no second invitation. Springs on the front foot and swipes it with ease over deep square leg for a maximum.

SIX! That is a shot and a half and Venkatesh Iyer brings up another FIFTY in the Indian T20 League. This is bowled a bit short and at the body of the batter, Venky stays deep and backs away before smashing it well over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. Kolkata inching closer to the Final now.

Venkatesh Iyer is early to back away, Nitish Kumar Reddy sees this and trakes pace off, bowling it slow and full at the stumps. Venky doesn't get under it and plays it straight to the bowler.

On a good length and angling it into middle and leg, Shreyas Iyer flicks it away wide of deep square leg for one and looks for two but won't get it.

FOUR! Top shot and Shreyas Iyer looks so much in control out there. Banged in way too short and without any sting on it, Shreyas swivels and pulls it behind backward square leg for a boundary.