KKR vs SRH Qualifier 1 Results

5:44 PM IST Right then, we have our first finalists of the 2024 Indian T20 League and it is Kolkata who will be playing their fourth final, having won 2 and lost one in their previous three finals. There are still three teams who will be playing it out for that second spot in the mega event and first up it will be Rajasthan, an under-pressure side taking on Bengaluru, the most in-form side currently in the tournament in the Eliminator game which will be played on this same ground. That game will be played on Wednesday, 22 May and will begin at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). As usual, you can join us a lot sooner for the build-up to that exciting game. Cheers!

5:43 PM IST Mitchell Starc is the Player of the Match for his sensational spell upfront. Starc says that they know how important the Powerplay is and taking early wickets against a team like Hyderabad is always crucial. Adds that the way Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma have been playing, the lines and lengths become important and the key was to bowl at the stumps and not give width. On Head's wicket, he says that to see his back early was nice and adds that they have a young attack and some haven't even played and being a senior member in the side, he wants to help howsoever he can and goes on to applaud the likes of Harshit Rana.

5:40 PM IST The skipper of Kolkata, Shreyas Iyer says that he is elated by the performance. Adds that the way the boys stood up for each other was pleasing to see. Feels that the break was important for them due to the hectic travelling. Tells that the talk was to stay in the present and maximize the opportunities. Adds that the attitude and approach of the bowlers was to look for wickets. Shares that the guys in his team have been true to their work ethics and have not been taking things lightly. Hopes to continue the momentum into the final. Says that Rahmanullah Gurbaz had an impactful knock in the Powerplay.  Adds that it is important that they go back and enjoy the moment as they have won a crucial game. Ends by saying that they need to be in the zone for the final and give their best.

5:38 PM IST The presentation ceremony...

5:34 PM IST Earlier in the game, Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat first on a track that had a bit of moisture and there was a chance of dew later on as well. This decision quickly backfired as both of Hyderabad's prolific openers were cheaply dismissed and they found themselves in disarray. With Mitchell Starc spitting fire from one end, Hyderabad needed someone to lead the charge and that was done by Rahul Tripathi and for a while in the middle, Tripathi and Heinrich Klaasen got Hyderabad into a position of promise. However, it all came crumbling down soon enough when Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed Klaasen and then a huge mix-up between Abdul Samad and Tripathi saw the latter get out when on a roll. Cummins did extremely well to carry his team to over 150 runs but it just didn't seem enough. This was proved correct as Kolkata put on a stellar show with the bat and chased down the total inside 15 overs.

5:30 PM IST Venkatesh Iyer, one of the stars of the chase is down for a chat now. Venky says that more than the confidence, he was more eager to go out and showcase his talent as they hadn't played a game in a long time and the credit should go to the bowlers who restricted the opposition to 160 runs which didn't even seem possible. Adds that momentum is key in this tournament which they have seen with Bengaluru and that's what they wanted with this game as they had lost momentum due to rain in the last couple of games and the spirits were high as they got a pep talk from the coaching staff and even the owners. Adds that it is always special to play in the Final and playing in front of such amazing crowds and are looking to lift that trophy soon.