Kolkata cruises to IPL final with a thumping win over Hyderabad
AHMEDABAD, India (AP) — Mitchell Starc dismantled the batting power-house of Sunrisers Hyderabad for 159 and spearheaded two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders to the Indian Premier League final with a crushing eight-wicket win in the playoff on Tuesday.
Starc, who had signed for a record-breaking $2.9 million in his IPL return, reserved his best for the big game in the playoff with 3-34 after Hyderabad won the toss but crumbled against the Australian left-arm fast bowler.
Kolkata, which topped the points table with nine wins, cruised to 164-2 in just 13.4 overs with captain Shreyas Iyer (58) and Venkatesh Iyer (51) both hitting unbeaten half-centuries.
Hyderabad will get another chance to qualify for the final on Friday when they meet the winner of Wednesday’s eliminator between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals.
Starc sliced through the top-order with his impeccable seam and swing and reduced Hyderabad to 39-4 inside the batting power play. Starc had his Australian teammate Travis Head for second successive duck in the tournament when he had him clean bowled off the second delivery that swung away late from the left-hander.