In a thrilling encounter at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clashed with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 3 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The high-scoring contest turned out to be a nail-biting thriller where the Knight Riders registered a 4-run victory.
Andre Russell’s powerful knock takes KKR to a formidable total
Electing to bowl first after winning the toss, Sunrisers Hyderabad aimed to restrict Kolkata Knight Riders’ batting prowess on their home turf. Kolkata Knight Riders commenced their innings with a flurry of boundaries and sixes, posting a formidable total of 208/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Philip Salt led the charge with a blistering 54 off 40 deliveries, supported by notable contributions from Ramandeep Singh (35 off 17) and Rinku Singh (23 off 15). However, it was the explosive innings of Andre Russell that stole the show, smashing a sensational 64 off just 25 balls, including seven towering sixes.
Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive knock in vain
Sunrisers Hyderabad, in pursuit of the challenging target, showcased commendable resilience with the bat. Heinrich Klaasen spearheaded the run-chase with a scintillating 63 off 29 deliveries, unleashing an onslaught of eight sixes. Abhishek Sharma (32 off 19) and Mayank Agarwal (32 off 21) also made significant contributions. Despite a valiant effort, Sunrisers Hyderabad fell agonizingly short of the target, finishing at 204/7 in their 20 overs.
In a nail-biting finish, Kolkata Knight Riders emerged victorious by a slender margin of 4 runs, defending their total with determination and grit. Harshit Rana bagged a three wicket haul while Russell picked up two scalps. The Caribbean superstar’s all-round brilliance earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award for his explosive batting display and crucial wickets.
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Here is how Twitter reacted:
HARSHIT RANA, YOU HAVE DONE IT! 🤩
WE WIN BY 4 RUNS! 💜
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 23, 2024
The GOAT of KKR line-up – Andre Russell. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/EG9Ec6GTxF
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 23, 2024
Na Dareey.. Na Gym Kare.
Russel naam hai beta..
Chakke ki baarish kardoon jab dil kare.Clean ball striking.
#KKRvSRH pic.twitter.com/SoAwmB6oLJ
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 23, 2024
Oh boy! What a nailbiting finish!! 🔥 What an over by Harshit Rana to comeback after that 6 and take @KKRiders home!! Exceptional 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) March 23, 2024
Conceding just 19 runs in his four overs while defending 200+. Not giving away a single boundary. Incredible from Narine 👏🏽 #KKRvSRH #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/f3p3zImwh3
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 23, 2024
Russell in Lok sabha election year is different beast
— Shashank Balnad (@shashank_balnad) March 23, 2024
A fight back we’ll never forget 🧡
We go again on Wednesday 👊#PlayWithFire #KKRvSRH pic.twitter.com/82WVF22Gvi
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 23, 2024
Heinrich Klassen you’re different level! 🤯
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) March 23, 2024
SRH needed 7 runs from 5 balls then:
1, W, 1, W, 0 by Harshit Rana.
The Hero of KKR…!!!! ⭐👊 pic.twitter.com/32M0uyDaSC
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 23, 2024
Andre Russell show 😂🔥#KKRvsSRH pic.twitter.com/OEzIifCU73
— Desi Bhayo (@desi_bhayo88) March 23, 2024
Animal Andre Russell💀😭 pic.twitter.com/FFqRpKIdPd
— Pulkit🇮🇳 (@pulkit5Dx) March 23, 2024
Andre Russell becomes the FASTEST to 200 IPL sixes.
Fastest by balls:
1322 – ANDRE RUSSELL
1811 – Chris Gayle
2055 – Kieron Pollard
2790 – AB de Villiers
3126 – MS Dhoni
3798 – Rohit Sharma#IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/JcMqZiEp8u— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) March 23, 2024