Kolkata Knight Riders set a massive target of 209 runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad, thanks to a blazing half-century by Andre Russell and a solid foundation laid by Phil Salt. The third match of IPL 2024 witnessed Russell’s power-hitting and SRH facing the biggest chase ever at Eden Gardens.
Salt, who came in as a replacement, started aggressively by hitting three sixes off Marco Jansen in the third over. Despite losing three quick wickets in the Power-play, Salt continued his onslaught, scoring 54 runs. Russell then took charge with his clean hitting, adding seven sixes and three boundaries to propel KKR to their first double-century score of IPL 2024.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar kept the pressure on initially, but Salt’s attacking play put KKR in the driver’s seat. However, T Natarajan’s two quick wickets dented KKR’s progress before Russell and Rinku Singh’s explosive partnership revived their innings.
Ramandeep Singh’s cameo of 35 runs, along with Russell’s fireworks, ensured KKR’s total crossed the 200-run mark. Russell’s onslaught included three consecutive sixes in one over and a quick-fire half-century off just 20 balls, setting up a daunting task for SRH in the chase.
Despite the late flourish by KKR, Sunrisers Hyderabad will need a monumental effort to chase down the target of 209 runs set by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2024 encounter at Eden Gardens. With a strong bowling attack led by Andre Russell, KKR will look to defend their total and secure a crucial victory in the tournament.
