Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) stormed into their fourth IPL final with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday.
Mitchell Starc set the tone for KKR with a brilliant performance, claiming three wickets in the powerplay and helping to bowl out SRH for a modest total of 159.
Rahul Tripathi was the standout performer for SRH, scoring 55 off 35 balls, while Heinrich Klaasen contributed a quick 32 off 21 balls. The 62-run partnership between Tripathi and Klaasen was the sole highlight in an otherwise disappointing batting display from SRH.
In response, KKR chased down the target with ease, reaching 160 in just 13.4 overs. Venkatesh Iyer played a superb unbeaten innings of 51, and skipper Shreyas Iyer also remained not out, scoring 58.
Despite the loss, SRH will have another chance to reach the final when they face the winner of the Eliminator in Chennai on Friday.
Brief scores: SRH 159 all out in 19.3 overs (Rahul Tripathi 55; Mitchell Starc 3/34).
