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Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have booked their place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final after a comprehensive 36-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2 on Friday. The final will see SRH facing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday (May 26), setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
Previous encounters favour KKR
This season, SRH and KKR have already faced off twice, with KKR emerging victorious on both occasions. The most recent encounter between the two teams occurred in Qualifier 1, where KKR clinched an eight-wicket win in Ahmedabad, earning them a direct path to the final. Earlier in the season, during their first clash, KKR edged out SRH by four runs in a closely contested match. These victories have not only given KKR a psychological edge but have also highlighted their consistency and tactical superiority.
Kevin Pietersen’s prediction
As anticipation builds for the title match, former England batter Kevin Pietersen has weighed in with his prediction, backing KKR to win the championship. Speaking to Star Sports cricket live, Pietersen cited KKR’s formidable spin attack and their recent record against SRH as key factors that give them an advantage. He emphasized that KKR’s spinners have been instrumental throughout the season, often turning matches in their favor with their skill and precision.
” I didn’t like the way the Sunrisers threw in the towel the other evening in Ahmedabad, and I think it’s going to put them on the back foot for the start on Sunday. The way they just finished that game off, Pat Cummins gave Travis Head the ball, and Shreyas Iyer just went bang, bang, bang,” Pietersen said.
Also READ: IPL 2024 Final, KKR vs SRH: Probable Playing XI, Match Preview, Head to Head Record | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
Spin attack and positive mindset
Pietersen believed that for SRH to overcome KKR in the final, the Pat Cummins-led side will need to deliver an extraordinary performance.
“It’ll give KKR a lot of confidence going into the finals knowing that they’ve already beaten SRH a couple of days ago. So it’s going to be hard for the Sunrisers to get up, but I think they will because they won the SA20, so they know how to win,” the 43-year-old added.
However, Pietersen also pointed out that KKR’s positive mindset and all-round firepower make them slight favorites. He praised KKR’s ability to maintain a strong, cohesive unit under pressure, which has been a hallmark of their campaign this season. He highlighted the importance of the toss, suggesting that it could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match.
“The toss is 50-50. I think that you have to consider the possibility of dew and also be prepared if it doesn’t come. It’s all about the mindset and confidence coming into this fixture. That’s where I think KKR have an advantage, given the way they’ve played, their convincing win in qualifier one, and their preparation over the last three or four days,” Pietersen concluded.
