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The IPL 2024 Qualifier 1 is set to be a thrilling encounter as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams have shown incredible form throughout the season, but only one can secure a direct berth in the final.
Team Performance in the League Stage
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR finished the league stage as table toppers with nine wins and just three defeats. Their aggressive batting coupled with a potent bowling attack made them a formidable side, often decimating their opponents. They enter the Qualifier 1 with high confidence and aim to continue their dominance to secure a spot in the final.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH had a mixed journey to the Qualifier 1, greatly benefitting from Rajasthan Royals’ slump in form. Despite some inconsistencies, SRH showcased their prowess under Pat Cummins’ leadership, finishing second in the league. They aim to leverage their momentum and secure a place in the final.
Match Details
Live Streaming and Broadcast
- India: Star Network, Jio Cinema
- UK: Sky Sports
- Australia: Fox Sports
- New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ
- South Africa: SuperSport
- USA: Willow TV
- Other Regions: Yupp TV, Foxtel Go, Kayo
Pitch and Weather Report
- Pitch: The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch is expected to be excellent for batting with some assistance for spinners due to recent heat exposure.
- Weather: Hot evening with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. Dew could play a significant role, favoring the chasing team.
Team Previews
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Key Players
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: A destructive batter expected to make an immediate impact replacing Phil Salt.
- Sunil Narine: A dual threat with 461 runs and 15 wickets, crucial for KKR’s success.
- Andre Russell: Known for his all-round abilities, Russell has been pivotal with both bat and ball.
- Varun Chakravarthy: Leading wicket-taker with 18 scalps, vital on a spin-friendly pitch.
Predicted Playing XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Andre Russell, Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Key Players
- Abhishek Sharma: Aggressive opener with 467 runs at a strike rate over 200.
- Travis Head: Proven performer in crunch games, has scored 533 runs this season.
- Pat Cummins: Inspirational leader and key bowler with 15 wickets.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Crucial for early breakthroughs with the new ball.
Predicted Playing XI
Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, Rahul Tripathi, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Sanvir Singh, Pat Cummins (c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, T Natarajan/Travis Head.
Match Prediction
Given KKR’s dominance in the league stage and their superior spin attack led by Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, they are favorites to win. While SRH has the firepower to challenge, the spin-friendly conditions at Narendra Modi Stadium tilt the scales slightly in favor of KKR
Final Verdict: Kolkata Knight Riders Will Win
We back Kolkata Knight Riders to emerge victorious in this high-stakes encounter and book their place in the IPL 2024 final.
