The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) took a lap of honour after win against Mumbai Indians in their final home game of the IPL 2024 at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday, May 11.
KKR became the first team to qualify for the playoffs after registering their ninth victory of the season with an 18-run win over Mumbai Indians, who were the first team to get knocked out of the tournament. After posting a total of 157/7 in 16 overs, KKR restricted MI to 139/8.
Harshit Rana brought into the attack in the final over and defended 22 runs by conceding just 4 runs. The crowd at the Eden Gardens went berserk after Kolkata Knight Riders officially secured their berth for the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
After a clinical win against Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders players took a victory lap as a way of expressing their gratitude to the fans for the support throughout the season thus far. KKR players were also seen carrying a big banner, which read 'Thank You Kolkata'. Mentor Gautam Gambhir was seen signing tennis balls to the fans who were presented at the stadium for the match. The video of KKR's lap of honour after the win against MI went viral on social media.
The match was delayed due to heavy rains in Kolkata. After putting to bat first by MI, KKR lost two early wickets in openers Phil Salt (6) and Sunil Narine (0). KKR captain Shreyas Iyer had a short stay at the crease as he was bowled out for 7 at 40/3.
Venkatesh Iyer played a valiant innings of 42 off 21 balls. Nitish Rana (33), Andre Russell (24), Rinku Singh (20) and Ramandeep Singh (17) contributed significantly in the death overs to help KKR post a good total on the board.
While defending the total, Sunil Narine gave the first breakthrough for KKR by dismissing Ishan Kishan (40) at 65/1. Thereafter, MI batting collapsed as they lost four wickets in Rohit Sharma (19), Suryakumar Yadav (11), Hardik Pandya (2) and Tim David (0) for 26 runs and they were reduced to 91/5.
Tilak Varma chipped in with 32 off 17 balls but his efforts went in as other middle order batters failed to step up when they were needed the most.
'There have been many game-changers': Shreyas Iyer
Kolkata Knight Riders skipper lavished praise on their players for brilliant performances in the team's campaign in the ongoing IPL season. He also lauded the bowlers for bouncing back into the game after Mumbai Indians got off to a fiery start in their run-chase, thanks to Ishan Kishan.
"I think I manifested this before the game (on becoming the 1st side to qualifty for the playoffs). Nerves were there, boys have been raising their hands and there have been many game-changers and kudos to each and every one of them." Shreyas Iyer.
"I feel whichever team plays the best, they got a great chance to win. They were going at great guns in the first 6 overs, and to bounce back from that situation it was nice to see." he added.
Kolkata Knight Riders are currently at the top of the points table with nine wins and three losses in their 11 outings. KKR will play their final two games of the league against Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals.
