IPL 2024: Andre Russell reigns supreme as Kolkata Knight Riders beat Sunrisers Hyderabad

Russell’s unbeaten innings of 64 off 25 balls to help Kolkata post 208/7 along with a solid half-century from opener Phil Salt.

Mar 24, 2024 - 16:00

IPL 2024: Andre Russell reigns supreme as Kolkata Knight Riders beat Sunrisers Hyderabad

Harshit Rana held his nerve in the final over to help Kolkata Knight Riders clinch a nervy four-run win against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, in the 2024 Indian Premier League on Saturday.

Despite Heinrich Klassen’s half-century and a cameo from Shahbaz Ahmed of 16 off 5 balls, Sunrisers managed to get to 204/7, but fell just short of the 209-run target.

Rana had 13 runs to defend in the final over after both Varun Chakravarthy and record signing Mitchell Starc conceded 21 and 26 runs in the 18th and 19th overs respectively. The Kolkata bowler was hit for a six by the South African batter before taking the wickets of Ahmed and then Klassen with slower balls to seal the victory.

Earlier in the day, the Hyderabad side began things well after opting to bowl first. Reducing Kolkata to 51/4 and 119/6 with opener Phil Salt the only settled batter in. Andre Russell then fought back in style, striking an unbeaten 64 off 25 balls with three boundaries and seven sixes. The West Indian all-rounder had Rinku Singh to accompany him in an 81-run partnership that powered the home side to 208/7.