Starc’s Match-Winning Delivery
Mitchell Starc delivered a stunning performance that played a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL final at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. Former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden highlighted Starc’s delivery to clean bowl Abhishek Sharma as the turning point of the match. The ball, which pitched on middle and leg, zipped past the outside edge and struck the off stump, initiating a collapse that left SRH at 21 for 3 within five overs.
Hayden’s Insight on the Game-Changing Moment
Hayden remarked, “The moment that ball bowled to Abhishek Sharma came out of Mitchell Starc’s hands, it was game over. It was destined to be the best ball of the IPL, an absolute peach at a time when it was so important. We all talked about how crucial the power play would be for winning this IPL final and this tournament. And after that ball from Mitchell Starc, it just meant that KKR were on a roll,” he told Star Sports Cricket live.
Starc’s Record Price Tag Justified
Starc, who came into the IPL season with a record price tag of Rs 24.74 crore, faced criticism throughout the tournament but ultimately proved his worth in the playoffs. The 34-year-old pacer picked up five of his 17 wickets in the two playoff games against Hyderabad, earning him the man of the match accolade for both games. His performance under pressure showcased his experience and skill, silencing critics who had questioned his hefty acquisition cost.
Pietersen’s Analysis of Starc’s Bowling
Kevin Pietersen, former England skipper, provided additional insights into Starc’s performance. “Mitchell Starc was averaging around 136-137 kmph during the majority of the season. But in the last two weeks, he has gone above 140 kmph, and that is his average. He is bowling fast. We never saw him swing the ball for the first seven, maybe even eight, weeks of this tournament. In the last few weeks, he has got his wrist in a good place and started to swing the ball back,” Pietersen noted. This late resurgence in form was crucial for KKR’s success in the final stages of the tournament.
KKR’s Dominance in the Final
KKR dominated the match from the outset. Following Starc’s initial breakthrough, Vaibhav Arora contributed by removing Travis Head for a first-ball duck with an excellent away-swinger. Starc continued his stellar performance by dismissing Rahul Tripathi, leaving SRH reeling. This early dominance was pivotal, as it set the tone for the rest of the match.
Strategic Excellence and Team Effort
KKR’s strategy focused on exploiting the power play and maintaining pressure on SRH’s batting lineup. Hayden emphasized the importance of this approach, noting how KKR’s collective effort in the field was instrumental in their victory. “There are two schools of thought. You come to a ground, think about runs on the board, and aim for 180–200 runs. Then there is another school of thought that focuses on the 11 of us taking on those two in-form players. Because you can’t really lose the game when you are out there as a collective fielding unit. And you saw that with KKR,” Hayden explained.
Conclusion
The combination of Starc’s exceptional bowling, strategic acumen, and a cohesive team effort ensured KKR’s dominance in the IPL final. Starc’s performance not only justified his record price tag but also highlighted the significance of experience and skill in high-pressure situations. The victory underscored KKR’s tactical brilliance and their ability to execute plans effectively, securing their triumph in a memorable final.(Dubai7 realmoneygame)