IPL 2024 [WATCH]: Harshit Rana keeps his cool in the final over as KKR outplays MI

Table of Contents

Bowlers shine for KKR
Harshit Rana’s match-winning spell
- Here’s the video

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) by 18 runs in a rain-affected league match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Saturday. With this triumph, KKR have secured the distinction of being the first team to qualify for the playoffs.

Bowlers shine for KKR

Following a below-par score of 157/6 in 16 overs, KKR’s bowlers faced a tough challenge against the Hardik Pandya-led MI. The victory was not only crucial for their standing but also for securing a long-awaited playoff spot. Shreyas Iyer and his team responded to the pressure, with Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine stepping up once again. However, it was Harshit Rana who sealed the deal, maintaining his composure to pick the crucial wickets of Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir in the final over, defending 21 runs.

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Harshit Rana’s match-winning spell

As the first ball was delivered, Naman adjusted his stance, moving back into the crease in an attempt to handle Rana’s angled delivery. The contact appeared uncertain, resulting in a seemingly delicate touch that sent the ball soaring into the air. With a keen eye and swift movements, Rinku Singh positioned himself perfectly at deep midwicket, seizing the opportunity to grab the crucial catch for KKR.

On the third delivery, Tilak, stationed deep within the crease, was lured into reaching for Rana’s wide delivery outside the off stump. In an attempt to play an aggressive shot, Tilak aimed to slap the ball, but his timing faltered, resulting in an edge that carried through to behind the wicket. Phil Salt, positioned perfectly, calmly accepted the straightforward catch, further solidifying KKR’s grip on the match. With nine victories and just three defeats, KKR have fortified their position at the summit of the points table. As the league stage draws to a close, they are widely anticipated to secure one of the coveted top two positions.