.Qualifier 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium is in a very interesting phase. After dominating the whole group stage, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad are facing each other in the first qualifier. Kolkata Knight Riders are dominating the match. The match becomes more intense as KKR batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz scores 4000 T20 runs and that added extra excitement to the game.
Gurbaz’s Another Milestone:
The tournament has reached the play-off stage, with Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad battling in the first qualifier for a spot in the IPL 2024 final. After a strong first innings, they continue to excel in the second. In this thrilling match, Gurbaz’s latest milestone stands out as a highlight, showcasing his exceptional performance and contributing to the excitement of the game.
Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been a formidable force in T20 cricket. In his 168th game, the wicketkeeper-batter surpassed 4,000 runs, averaging around 25 with a strike rate over 148. In the third over, he crossed the milestone. His impressive record includes 25 fifties and two centuries, with a top score of 121*.
After Phill Salt departed to England, Gurbaz got the chance to open the innings with Sunil Narine. Since the beginning, he has been a formidable force for KKR’s top order. In the whole tournament, Kolkata Knight Riders have showcased their excellence and secured the number one spot on the points table.
KKR Secured the Final Spot:
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins opted to bat first after winning the toss. KKR’s bowlers quickly put SRH under pressure, dismissing Travis Head for a duck and Abhishek Sharma for 3 runs. Rahul Tripathi stabilized the innings with 55 off 35 balls, and Heinrich Klaasen added 32 off 21 balls. KKR’s bowlers excelled, limiting SRH to 159 runs. Mitchell Starc took 3 wickets for 34 runs, Varun Chakravarthy took 2 for 26, and other bowlers each claimed a wicket.
In the second innings, Kolkata Knight Riders kept the domination alive in themselves. While batting in the second innings, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine gave a decent start. Both scored 23 and 21 runs. But the Iyer duo turned the game. Both scored half-centuries in a crucial point. Venkatesh Iyer remained unbeaten on 51 runs in 28 balls. Skipper Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 58 runs in 24 balls. KKR secured the final spot with an 8-wicket win.
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