Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL, 2024, Full Score Card

KOLKATA ARE THE 2024 INDIAN T20 LEAGUE CHAMPIONS! Shahbaz Ahmed bowls it full and on off, Venkatesh Iyer gets a good stride in and looks to paddle it towards short fine leg. Gets an inside edge that sneaks past the stumps and beats Heinrich Klaasen as well. The batters scamper across for a quick run and the two Iyers, Venkatesh and Shreyas have their arms aloft in joy. The Kolkata players come charging onto the park and it is going to be a long night of celebrations.

Attacks the stumps and bowls it short in length, Shreyas Iyer goes back in his crease and pushes it wide of cover for one. Scores level now and the crowd roars in anticipation for the glory shot.

DROPPED! Rahul Tripathi puts down a tough chance! Sliding into the pads, fuller in length, Venkatesh Iyer shapes for the slog sweep and hits it flat towards deep backward square leg where Rahul Tripathi runs in and dives in front but fails to hold onto the catch. The rolls in front off his hands and the batters cross for one.

FIFTY FOR VENKATESH IYER! He has picked up where he left off in Qualifier 1 and has not missed a beat this inning. This is shorter and quicker, on off, Venkatesh Iyer rocks back and cuts it square to deep point for a single and this has been a memorable knock from the southpaw on the big night of the final.

Turning in, short and around middle, Shreyas Iyer goes on the back foot and works it around the corner. Brings back Venkatesh back on strike, who is on 49.

Drops it short and it spins away from the batter, Venkatesh Iyer rocks back and pulls it on the bounce to deep mid-wicket for one. Moves to 49 does Venkatesh.

Flat and short, outside off, Venkatesh Iyer goes for the switch hit but gets beaten for pace this time as the ball zips through.

Slower through the air and on a nagging length, on middle, Venkatesh Iyer goes for the reverse hit but the extra bounce results in Iyer failing to connect and gets hit on the body.

In the air...but it lands safely! Short and slower as well, on off, Venkatesh Iyer miscues the pull but it lands well in front of deep mid-wicket. Two runs taken.

FOUR! Wow, what a shot first up! Shahbaz serves it full and it is just outside off, Shreyas Iyer is quick to pull out the reverse sweep and uses his strong wrists to hit it over backward point for a boundary. Just 8 runs away now are Kolkata.

Shreyas Iyer, the skipper walks out to bat now.

OUT! TRAPPED PLUMB IN FRONT! Or is it? After being hit for six off the previous ball, Shahbaz Ahmed pushes it through from around the wicket and it is much fuller, on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets inside the line to sweep it fine but the ball sneaks past the bat and hits him low on the front pad. Uh oh, the third umpire informs that UltraEdge and Ball Tracking are down at the moment. As a result, he has to make the decision by looking at the replays and he concludes that there is no conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field call. Rahmanullah Gurbaz isn't pleased but has to make the long walk back.

SIX! Excellent use of the feet! Shahbaz Ahmed offers flight and bowls it full, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz skips down the track in a flash and gets to the pitch of it. Tonks it back over the bowler's head for a maximum.

Sees the batter back away early and follows him, on a nagging length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is tucked up for room and defends it solidly.

Leg bye! Way too short by Shahbaz Ahmed but he gets away with it. The line is around leg, Venkatesh Iyer shapes up for the switch hit but the ball spins away to beat the bat. The batters cross as the ball rolls off the pads on the leg side for one.

'Two' is the call and they get it! Slanting across the batter, full and outside off, Venkatesh Iyer drags the shot and hits it between deep mid-wicket and long on for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Easily done! Comes from around the wicket for the right-hander but sticks to his plan of taking pace off and going into the wicket, Rahmanullah Gurbaz picks the change of pace and sets himself up before nailing the pull over mid-wicket for a boundary. Kolkata just 21 runs away from their third Indian T20 League title.

Pitches it up and bowls it with pace, on middle and leg, Venkatesh Iyer hits through the line to the right of long on for a single.

Dishes it out on a back of a length, near the tramline on off, Venkatesh Iyer reaches out and has to generate power into the shot as slaps it wide of deep cover for a couple of runs.

The ball never arrived and Venkatesh Iyer gets beaten all ends up! Unadkat goes into the surface and it is slower as well, on off, Venkatesh Iyer waits for the ball to arrive and decides to go for the pull but fails to connect.

Pace taken off again by Unadkat and it is on a back of a length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hops and rides the bounce to tap it in front of backward point for one.

Starts off on a nagging length and does not offer much pace, outside off, Venkatesh Iyer stays deep in his crease and flat bats it down to long off for a single.

Fires it in from around the wicket and it is full as well, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets a good stride in and blocks it out on the leg side.

Leg bye! Slows it up and offers flight does Shahbaz and serves it on a nagging length, Venkatesh Iyer skips down the track to convert this one into a half-volley but gets beaten by the flight. The ball rolls away off his pads on the leg side for one.

Keeps it full and at the stumps, flicked through mid-wicket for a single by Gurbaz.

SIX! Good proactive batting and Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets the reward! Tosses it up and bowls it full, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz walks across his stumps and gets down on one knee. Helps it away fine and it touches the boundary cushions on the full at the deep backward square leg fence.

FOUR BYES! That has missed everything! Sliding on with the arm, full and on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz presses forward as he plays for the turn. The ball skids through and beats the inside edge. It beats Heinrich Klaasen to his left and it races away.

Gets the ball to grip a bit does Shahbaz Ahmed, on a nagging length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets half-forward and dabs it in front of point.

Strategic Break! Well then, Kolkata have come out all guns blazing and are inching towards the title in some fashion. Sunil Narine fell early and there have been a few edges that have gone to the fence but Venkatesh Iyer has come out and played like there's no tomorrow. Given the current circumstances, the game could be over in the next five overs or so. Fasten your seat belts and let's get back to the action.

Quick single taken to round off a 20-run over! Off-pace delivery, on a back of a length, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz whips it in front of mid-wicket and scampers across for a run. Kolkata get 72 runs off the Powerplay, the most scored by a team in any Indian T20 League final.

This is served on a fullish length, on middle and leg, knocked down to long on for a single by Venkatesh Iyer.

FOUR! Edged but it still finds the fence. Been that kind of night for Hyderabad. T Natarajan attacks the stumps and keeps it full, Venkatesh Iyer has a wild heave across the line. Almost swings himself off his feet and gets an outside edge that races past short third for the third four of the over.

SIX! BANG! This has gone the distance! Natrajan drifts on the pads and it is fuller as well, Venkatesh Iyer picks it up early and lifts it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

FOUR! Venkatesh Iyer is seeing them like a beach ball! T Natarajan digs it in short but it is not short enough to trouble the batter. It is over middle, Venkatesh Iyer makes room and fetches the pull and drags it over mid-wicket for back-to-back boundaries.

FOUR! Flayed away! T Natarajan bowls it on a back of a length from over the wicket, over middle, Venkatesh Iyer backs away early and throws the kitchen sink at it. Hits it uppishly but past backward point for a boundary.

Banged in short over middle stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets on top of the bounce and pulls it down to mid-wicket.

Nagging length, bowled on off stump, hit away on the up but a bit tentatively towards mid off.

A spicy short ball, well-directed over off stump and coming in at helmet height. Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves it alone.

Length again on middle and leg, played away on the up down to long on for another single.

Pitched up a bit slower and on leg stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz backs away to heave it away but miscues it off the toe end of the bat to long on for a single.

FOUR! Nothing going Hyderabad's way here! Pat Cummins comes in from over the stumps and follows the batter down the leg side with a short ball. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets cramped up but manages to get some bat on it and the ball goes down to fine leg for a boundary.

Change of ends for Pat Cummins (1-0-12-1).

Banged in short and over leg stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets inside the line and plays a control pull shot to deep fine leg for a single.

Good length angled into the pads, Venkatesh Iyer tucks it down to fine leg for a single.

Oh, that could have been a brilliant run out from Nitish Kumar Reddy. Back of a length around off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to the right of covers and takes off for a quick single. Nitish dives across and while on the ground manages to fire in a throw at the bowler's end. It is just a bit wide and Gurbaz makes it through.

Takes pace off and bowls it on a hard length around the top of off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it under the eyeline.

WIDE! Banged in short, trying to be aggressive but this is angled just down the leg side for another wide.

Good length on the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tentatively blocks this one off.

FOUR! Edged away! Nagging length on off stump and angling away late, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to block but gets an outside edge that goes wide of first slip but fine of short third and runs away to the fence.

WIDE! Starts from over the wicket but begins with a loosener as this length ball is angled down the leg side for a wide.

T Natarajan comes into the attack as the first change.

What an effort in the deep! Good length on the pads, Venkatesh Iyer tucks it away wide of short fine leg and it seems to be running away to the fence but Nitish Kumar Reddy sprints across to his left from deep square leg and dives in to save a couple of runs. 20 off the over!

Excellent running! On a hard length over the top of off stump, angling back in, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tentatively blocks it back on the pitch and Venkatesh Iyer calls him for a quick single.

Hard length around off and middle, Venkatesh Iyer jams the ball square on the off side and picks up a single.

SIX! Even better and Kolkata are flying here. Pitched up on the stumps, Venkatesh Iyer comes down the track and gets to the pitch of the ball before lofting it straight back over the bowler's head for a huge hit.

SIX! Wow, that is a top shot from Venkatesh Iyer. Iyer pre-empts the fuller ball and comes down the track, swatting it flat and straight down the ground for a maximum.

FOUR! Easy pickings for Venkatesh Iyer. Full and on the pads, Iyer flicks it away very fine and the ball races away down to fine leg for four runs.

Good delivery! Rahmanullah Gurbaz is early to come down the pitch and Pat Cummins sees him coming. Cummins digs it in quick and short at the batter and Gurbaz ducks under it.

FOUR! Up and over! Controlled aggression from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Fractionally short around off stump, Gurbaz comes down the pitch and backs away a bit before hammering it over covers for a boundary.

Good length around the top of off and angling back in sharply, Rahmanullah Gurbaz watches it right onto the bat and blocks it off.

Back to over the wicket for the right-hander and this is bowled on a hard length over off and middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays on the back foot and keeps it out.

TWO WIDES! Comes from around the stumps and angles it in well down the leg side, Venkatesh Iyer misses the flick and Heinrich Klaasen does well to dive and get a glove on it. The batters pick up a run as well.

Venkatesh Iyer comes in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Six and out for Sunil Narine. Pat Cummins slides this one on a nagging length on middle and leg and the ball slides on off the turf. Sunil Narine is caught on the crease and just tries to lift the ball but gets a top edge that flies up just over mid-wicket. Shahbaz Ahmed comes in from the deep and takes a comfortable. Just the start Hyderabad would have wanted and the skipper has delivered.

SIX! Sunil Narine has made his intentions clear right away. Loose from Pat Cummins as he digs it in short over middle and leg, sitting up nicely for the batter. Sunil Narine makes a bit of room and crunches the pull over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be the Hyderabad skipper, Pat Cummins.

Tidy from Bhuvneshwar Kumar but Kolkata do get five runs off the first over. A tad fuller and around off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays on the back foot and plays it late towards covers.

Just drags the length back a bit and brings the line closer to the off stump, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shoulders arms at this one.

Right on the money this time! Full, on the fifth stump line and shaping away nicely, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes after it and plays away from the body but the ball beats the outside edge.

WIDE! Length again and well outside off, swinging further away for a wide.

Good length and in the channel outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz opts to leave this one alone.

FOUR! Slashed away hard and Rahmanullah Gurbaz is underway with a boundary. Short of a length and outside off, swinging away, Gurbaz throws his hands at it and the ball flies off the outer half of the bat and wide of third man for a boundary.

Lovely delivery to start with! Nice and full on the fourth stump line, swinging away, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets well forward to drive but is beaten past the outside edge.

OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the man and what a way to round off a fine effort in the field for Kolkata. This is pitched up on middle and leg stump, slower again from Andre Russell, Pat Cummins hangs deep, clears the front leg and heaves it away down the ground. The connection isn't a great one and the ball flies straight down to Mitchell Starc at long on and this time, he takes a simple catch around his waist. Cummins' resistance ends and Hyderabad are bundled out for 113 runs inside 19 overs.

Slower and shorter again over the stumps, Pat Cummins slogs it down to long on and denies the single.

Slower one, bowled slightly back of a length and over the off stump, Pat Cummins sets up for the big heave on the leg side but is through his shot way too early.

Bowled back of a length and around off stump, Bhuvneshwar Kumar goes on the back foot and punches it to covers.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the last man in.

OUT! LBW! Every day, we see something rare on a cricket field and this was one of those occasions. Sunil Narine flights it up full on middle stump and turns in, Jaydev Unadkat gets on the front foot to drive but is beaten in flight and the ball goes off the pads and hits the top of the stumps and the bails light up but don't come off. Kolkata review it for a LBW decision and Ball Tracking confirms three reds.

Oh, what happened there? The bails lit up but they did not come off. As a result, Kolkata have taken the review for LBW. There is nothing on UltraEdge and it is three reds on Ball Tracking.

Carrom ball around off stump, Pat Cummins waits and hits it through cover-point for a single.

Keeps it short on the stumps, Pat Cummins walks across the off stump and hoicks it away to the right of deep backward square leg for a couple of more runs.

Flighted up a bit full and around off stump, Jaydev Unadkat goes for the reverse sweep and gets it off the edge towards short third. The fielder there dives to his left and picks up a single.

Shorter in length and turning in from off stump, Pat Cummins stays back and works it through mid-wicket looking for two but has to settle for the single.

Back of a length and outside off, guided down to third man for a single.

SIX! What an effort from Andre Russell but goes all in vain. Quick and banged into the deck outside off, Pat Cummins throws his hands at it and lifts it high up towards the cover fence. Russell sprints towards the ball from then inner ring and dives to grab the catch but his body slides into the ropes and it is signalled as a maximum.

Short of a length and outside off, Pat Cummins stays back and pats it away wide of sweeper covers for a couple of runs.

The ball is certainly gripping! A tad short and outside off, this one grips and turns back in with a bit of an extra bounce as well. Pat Cummins is taken aback but manages to fend it on the off side.

Nagging length on the fifth stump line, holds in the pitch, Pat Cummins checks his shot and jams it on the off side.

Slower delivery, on a good length and around off, Jaydev Unadkat waits on it well and plays it towards cover for a single.

Strategic break! It has been a woeful batting effort from Hyderabad so far and the dejected faces in their dugout say it all. It would have been even worse for them had Mitchell Starc managed to hold onto the catch of Pat Cummins. Having gotten a second life, the onus is on skipper, Pat Cummins to make it count and take his side to a respectable total. As for Kolkata, they have not done much wrong and have chipped away at the wickets at regular intervals. It has been a collective effort and they will look to wrap the innings up quickly now.

Oh, just short! On the fuller side again and around off stump, Jaydev Unadkat attempts the reverse sweep but gets it a lot finer and a bit uppishly as well. The man at short third dives forward but the ball just bounces in front of him and hits his body. Another single and Hyderabad's innings seems to be hanging by a thread here.

DROPPED! Too casual from Mitchell Starc and that could have been it for Kolkata. Bowled on a length and at the stumps, Pat Cummins tries to get under it and hammer it over long on but gets a lot of height and not enough distance. Starc settles under it but the ball pops out and he can't grab it on the second attempt either. Just the single then.

A bit of cat and mouse going on between the batter and bowler. Nice and full around the stumps, Jaydev Unadkat shapes up to scoop on the leg side but miscues it away in the air and in front of short third for a single.

Half an appeal for LBW and nothing more. A bit fuller and quicker, drifted into the pads, Jaydev Unadkat looks to block off the front foot but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Slows it up a bit and bowls it a tad shorter on the pads, the ball turns in and Pat Cummins turns it away past square leg for a single.

FOUR BYES! That's gone past everyone! Quicker one angled down the leg side and skids off the surface, Pat Cummins attempts a reverse-dab but misses and the ball beats the keeper, running away into the fence. No wide called though.

Sensational stuff from Harshit Rana, a wicket-maiden! Rana delivers another bumper and Jaydev Unadkat has a swish across the line. The ball climbs on him and sails over the bat.

Fuller this time and around off, Jaydev Unadkat is lured into the drive but fails to get any bat on it as the ball zips past the bat.

Bangs it into the deck, over middle, Jaydev Unadkat ducks and lets the ball go through to the keeper.

An optimistic shout for LBW and it is turned down by the umpire. Harshit Rana looks confident but Rahmanullah Gurbaz thinks it is going down leg. Shreyas Iyer goes with the bowler's gut feeling and takes the review. Slanting in, on a length, around leg, Jaydev Unadkat clears his front leg to play at it. Gets beaten on the inside edge and it sneaks past the bat to rap him on the back leg. The Ball Tracking shows the impact to be outside leg and Kolkata burn a review.

Full and honing in at the stumps, Jaydev Unadkat shows a straight bat and plays it back to the bowler.

Jaydev Unadkat is the next batter in.

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Harshit Rana returns to the attack and gets the big fish. Surely, this is a knockout blow to Hyderabad. Harshit rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it fuller in length, outside off, Heinrich Klaasen looks to go back over the bowler's head with mid off inside the circle. The ball comes back in a touch off the surface and catches the inside edge of the bat. It drags back onto the stumps and Rana has his second wicket of the night.

Quicker and shorter, on off, Pat Cummins shapes up to steer it down to deep third but fails to get any bat on it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Spinning away, short and on off, Heinrich Klaasen makes room and slaps it down to wide long off for one.

Superb effort in the deep! Drops it fractionally short and on off, Heinrich Klaasen moves away to the leg side and drills it in front of square on the off side. Ramandeep Singh sprints and slides to his right and keeps it down to two.

Pushes it through, on a nagging length, on off, Heinrich Klaasen gets his bat out in front of the pads and blocks it out.

Bye! Risky and Pat Cummins is lucky to get away with it. Another googly, slower through the air and it is around leg, Pat Cummins exposes all his stumps as he tries the scoop again. The ball spins in and sneaks past the leg stump. The ball rolls off Gurbaz's pads on the leg side for one.

FOUR! Clever shot! Varun Chakaravarthy slips in the googly, on a good length, outside off, Pat Cummins premeditates as he walks across his stumps to play the scoop. The line isn't there to play the scoop on the leg side and he angles the face of his bat to ramp it past short third for a boundary.

Takes pace off and digs it into the deck, on off, Pat Cummins pushes it wide of cover and takes a single.

FOUR! Nicely done and Pat Cummins is up and running! Russell bowls it on a back of a length, on off, Pat Cummins waits on the back foot and uses the pace by gliding it past backward point. Beats deep third to his right for a boundary.

Skipper, Pat Cummins comes in with his side under immense pressure.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Top catch from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The Impact Player goes without creating any impact as Hyderabad slip further. Russell delivers it in the channel on off, on a length, Abdul Samad gets on the front foot and looks to drive it through the off side. He fails to get closer to the ball and plays at it away from his body. Gets an outside edge that flies to the right of the keeper. Rahmanullah Gurbaz dives full-length to his right and makes it look easy.

WIDE! An attempted slower delivery but Andre Russell gets it all wrong and this is spilled full and well down the leg side.

Hard length bowled over middle, Heinrich Klaasen stays put and knocks the ball down to long on for another single.

Bowled full again and at the stumps, Abdul Samad leans ahead and just pushes it wide of the mid on region for a single.

Good, positive running! A tad full and straight at the stumps, Abdul Samad tucks it neatly and into the huge gap at mid-wicket for a couple of quick runs.

Dishes out the googly, short and on off, Abdul Samad picks it well and dabs it wide of point for a single.

Hyderabad are forced to use the Impact Sub and nows Abdul Samad comes in to replace Travis Head.

OUT! CAUGHT! Varun Chakaravarthy gets in on the act now in the final. Kolkata are bossing this game but Hyderabad are not helping their case as they continue to play their shots and are falling apart here. Varun Chakaravarthy delivers it fuller this time and offers flight as well, around off, Shahbaz Ahmed gets down on one knee and goes for the sweep. He fails to roll his wrists on the ball to control the sweep. Gets a top edge due to the extra bounce off the surface and it lobs tamely towards short fine leg where Sunil Narine runs a few steps back and takes it near his face. Chakaravarthy goes past Jasprit Bumrah in the highest-wicket-taker tally and he now has 21 wickets to his name.

Slower and the length is pulled back a touch, on off, Shahbaz Ahmed waits on the back foot and works it with the turn in front of point.

Sliding onto the pads, fuller as well, Shahbaz Ahmed gets his bat out in front of the pads and keeps it out on the leg side.

Closer to the off stump and on a nagging length, Heinrich Klaasen springs on the back foot quickly and knocks it along the ground to long off for one.

Turning away, short and around off, Heinrich Klaasen backs away and hits it with the turn to cover.

Varun Chakaravarthy now comes into the attack and the stage is well set for him.

SIX! Not in control but Shahbaz Ahmed gets the distance. Russell serves it on a shortish length, over middle, Shahbaz Ahmed is in no position but goes for the pull. Gets a top edge that flies over the keeper and clears the fence for a flat six.

Angling away, short of a good length, on off, Shahbaz Ahmed throws his hands at it but connects with thin air.

Dishes out a sharp and quick bumper, Shahbaz Ahmed drops his wrists and sways away from the line of the ball and lets it go.

This is on a back of a length, around the hips, Shahbaz Ahmed glances it away off the back foot to the left of fine leg for a couple of runs.

Shahbaz Ahmed is the new batter in.

OUT! TAKEN! The golden arm of Andre Russell strikes again for Kolkata! Aiden Markram runs out of patience and Hyderabad are now in even more trouble. Russell bends his back and digs it in short, on off, Aiden Markram tries to take on the short ball and gets on top of his toes to get the pull shot away. The ball comes onto his bat quicker than he anticipated and that results in Markram hitting it straighter than he would have liked. It goes only as far as long on where Mitchell Starc takes an easy catch well inside the ropes.

Russell bangs it on a hard length first up, at the batter, Heinrich Klaasen hurriedly jabs it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Shorter and around off, Aiden Markram cuts it away but finds the fielder inside the ring and only three singles come off that over.

Then straighter one now, on middle, Aiden Markram plays it back to the bowler.

The variation from Sunil Narine, bowled on a nagging length on off and middle and this one slides back in, Aiden Markram looks to play it off the back foot but gets an inside edge onto the back leg and is a bit lucky that it didn't roll on to the stumps.

On a good length on middle and sliding on, Heinrich Klaasen stays put and punches it through mid on to make it three singles in three balls.

Drags the length back now and bowls it a bit quicker and shorter around off, Aiden Markram makes room and gets it through point for one more.

Nicely flighted, a tad fuller and on off stump, Heinrich Klaasen knocks it down to long on and collects a single.

A double-bluff this time from Harshit Rana as he grunts in and serves another off-pace delivery, short of a length and outside off, Heinrich Klaasen cuts it off the back foot to deep cover-point for a run.

Another slower ball, just back of a length and on off stump, Heinrich Klaasen stays in his crease and just bunts it out onto the deck.

Another slower one, pitched up around off stump, holding in the pitch, Heinrich Klaasen leans into the drive but checks his shot and defends it out on the off side.

Pace off and into the pitch outside off, Aiden Markram waits well and taps it with an open stance through the cover region for another single.

Hard length around the top of off stump, jammed out in front of the point region for a single.

EDGED AND FOUR! Nagging length and on a tight line around off stump, this one nips away late off the deck as well. Heinrich Klaasen is late on the shot and gets an outside edge that runs down to third man for a boundary.

This is flat and a bit short, outside off, Heinrich Klaasen uses the depth of the crease and cuts it along the ground to deep point for a single.

Quick and flat on off stump, Aiden Markram shows all his stumps and cuts it away through cover-point for one more.

Oh, that stopped on the batter! Floated up on middle stump, Aiden Markram looks to drive off the front foot but is early in the shot and ends up chipping it to the left of short mid-wicket.

Pushed through just a bit fuller on middle and leg, Heinrich Klaasen leans on and drives it down to long on for a single.

Bowls it short again but there's a bit more room outside off, Aiden Markram backs away and cuts it behind point for a run.

Starts on the shorter side and bowls it around off stump, Aiden Markram rocks back and cuts it straight to backward point.

Strategic break! It has been an eventful start to the final, with Kolkata taking the Powerplay honours. Having finished the Powerplay with a 17-run over, Hyderabad were hopeful of building on it, but Nitish Kumar Reddy's departure has pegged them back again. As for Kolkata, Mitchell Starc has risen to the occasion yet again for them, and he has been complemented well by Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora. Heinrich Klaasen joins Aiden Markram out in the middle, and Hyderabad's hopes rest on the shoulders of this Protea duo. It will be Sunil Narine to bowl after the break.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! A ripper of a delivery from Harshit Rana! This was set up so nicely by Rana as he kept dishing out slower balls and now goes for a fuller one at 146 clicks. This is bowled on off stump and swings away late after pitching. Nitish Kumar Reddy looks to drive straight through the line but is beaten by the late movement and the ball just catches the outside edge before going straight into the mitts of Rahmanullah Gurbaz behind the stumps. Just when Hyderabad seemed to be make inroads, Kolkata have struck once again.

Pace off yet again and bowled on a hard length outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy hits it straight to covers.

Keeps taking pace off and bowls this one on a good length outside off, Aiden Markram taps it towards covers for a run.

Nicely bowled this time around. Tad fuller and around off, this one grips after pitching, Aiden Markram looks to cut but the ball comes in and sneaks past the willow.

WIDE! Another off-paced delivery, bowled well into the pitch and well outside off as well, Aiden Markram fails to reach it and a wide is called.

Takes some pace off now and bowls it around off stump on a shortish length, Nitish Kumar Reddy just guides it down to third man for a single.

FOUR! That has been crunched away! Begins with a short and wide one, loose delivery, Nitish Kumar Reddy waits on the back foot and cuts it hard behind point for a boundary.

A single to end but 17 runs come off the final over of the Powerplay and Hyderabad finally have a bit of positive momentum. Pitched up around off stump, pushed straight to mid off for one.

SIX! That's bread and butter for any top order batter. This is bowled short again but the line is down the leg side, Nitish Kumar Reddy gets inside the line and slam-dunks it over fine leg for a maximum.

A slower bumper, bowled a fair bit outside off and this is left alone by Nitish Kumar Reddy.

A halt in play as Aiden Markram has asked for a fresh pair of gloves after putting the dive on the previous ball. We are all good to go now.

Oh, that's risky! Bowled on a hard length and in the channel around off, Aiden Markram meets the ball on the rise and punches it sweetly to mid off before setting off for the single. Shreyas Iyer gets a good bounce while collecting the ball and fires in a throw at the bowler's end but misses and Markram dives in to reach his ground.

FOUR! And again! Dug in quick and short outside off, Aiden Markram goes on the back foot this time and plays a lovely shot standing upright and swats it just on the half-volley and into the ropes over the cover region.

FOUR! Up and away to the fence! Banged in well short but offering width as well, Aiden Markram stands tall and latches onto the width, slapping it over covers for a boundary.

WIDE! Vaibhav Arora goes for the change up and takes pace off but spills it well outside the off stump for another wide.

Nitish Kumar Reddy watchfully lets it go and that ends another successful over from Mitchell Starc. Going across the batter and this is on a good length, Nitish Kumar Reddy shoulders arms.

Nails the fullish length, outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy has to reach out to squeeze it away on the off side but gets beaten for pace as the ball scoots under the bat.

Delivers it around the off-stump line, on a good length, Aiden Markram stands tall and cuts it square to deep point for a single.

Hurls it on a back of a length, on off, Nitish Kumar Reddy gets on top of the bounce and steers it down to deep third for a single to open his account.

Nitish Kumar Reddy walks in with Hyderabad in heaps of trouble.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Not quite the correct option chosen there by Rahul Tripathi, and he pays the ultimate price. Hyderabad's top three have been blown away again. Starc pitches it up and serves it around off, Rahul Tripathi was better off going down the ground but he chose to have a swipe across the line. Goes low to make the connection but fails to control the bounce generated by Starc. Gets a top edge that goes very high in the air towards mid-wicket where Ramandeep Singh settles under it and reverse cups it near his face.

Beaten! At 144 kph, slanting away from over the wicket, on a good length, near the tramline on off, Rahul Tripathi looks to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge and the ball carries at shoulder height to Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

There's that sharp inward movement from Arora again, on a back of a length, on middle, Aiden Markram gets on his toes and blocks it out solidly.

Hits the deck hard, on off, Rahul Tripathi hops back and drops it with soft hands beside the pitch on the off side and calls Aiden Markram through for a quick single.

WIDE! Errs in line for the third time in the over does Arora. Angling down leg, Rahul Tripathi fails to help it away. Wide givem.

Oh...close! The ball wasn't too far from the off stump. Shaping in just outside off, on a good length, Rahul Tripathi premeditates as he gives the bowler the charge and looks to force it through the off side. The ball sneaks under the angled bat and goes just past the off pole.

Lands it on a hard length, angling into the pads, Aiden Markram turns this one away with the angle to the left of mid-wicket for a single.

At 133.2 kph, honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Aiden Markram rather than going on the front foot, opts to play this off the back foot and pats it to mid off.

Much better from Arora as this is on a back of a length, on off, Rahul Tripathi rides the bounce well and pushes it in front of cover for a single.

WIDE! Takes pace off but gets the line wrong. It is down leg, Rahul Tripathi tries the scoop again but fails to get any bat on it.

WIDE! Slips it down leg, on a length, Rahul Tripathi walks inside the line of the ball to scoop it past the keeper but misses out. Wide given.

Bowls it on a good length, on off and middle, Aiden Markram punches it with a straight bat to mid on.

Nearly sneaked through! Dishes out a full delivery, aimed at the stumps and it tails back in late into the batter. Aiden Markram shapes up initially to play the ball going away from him but recovers well to get his bat in line of the ball and keeps it out as the ball jams off his pads.

FOUR! Aiden Markram slashes and slashes hard! Starc gets the ball to angle across the right-hander, on a length, Aiden Markram's eyes light up as he sees the width on offer. Markram tries to flay it away on the off side and gets an outside edge that flies past first slip and races down to deep third for a boundary.

Drags the length back ever so slightly does Starc and bowls it on off, Aiden Markram covers the line of the ball and stabs it down onto the deck with a straight bat.

Attacks the stumps and keeps the length full, Rahul Tripathi gets his bat out in front and leans on it to clip it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Too straight and these are easy pickings for Rahul Tripathi. Starc goes searching for the magical delivery but misses his mark this time as he drifts on the pads, full in length, Rahul Tripathi calmly tickles it fine off his pads down to the fine leg fence for the first boundary of the final.

Aiden Markram is the new man in.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! First Mitchell Starc and now Vaibhav Arora! Two superb deliveries from the Kolkata pacers. Travis Head goes for a duck, yet again and Hyderabad have been rocked early in the final. Bowls it with an upright seam and this is just outside off, on a back of a length, Travis Head opts to stay leg side of the ball and looks to get on his toes to play at it. Ends up having a feel for the delivery and gets a feather on it which is snaffled with ease by Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Slanting into the right-hander, on a back of a length, at the hips, Rahul Tripathi glances it away down to fine leg for a single.

A slight halt in play as Rahmanullah Gurbaz got his knee stuck in the outfield while chasing the previous ball. The physio is out to have a look and hopefully, Gurbaz is fine. All seems good and we are back playing.

Two leg byes! Sliding on the pads, on a hard length, Rahul Tripathi misses the tickle as the ball rolls off his pads in front of deep square leg. Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes after it and as he is about to release the throw, he trips over and that allows Tripathi to make the second run comfortably.

Sees the batter make room and follows him. This is on a short of a good length, Rahul Tripathi shapes up to flat bat it down the ground. The ball hits the upper part of the bat and lobs in front of Shreyas Iyer at mid on. Three dots on the trot by Arora.

There's that extra bounce again, as this is on a length, on off, Rahul Tripathi hangs on the back foot and chops it down. The ball dies down on the off side.

Oh..edged but it falls short! Starts from over the wicket and bowls it on a good length, on off, Rahul Tripathi opts to defend it from the crease but the extra bounce results in the ball coming off the gloves and drops in front of the keeper, Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Vaibhav Arora to operate from the other end.

Gets the ball to come back into the right-hander, around the off-stump line, on a good length, Rahul Tripathi gets half-forward and taps it with soft hands in front of cover for a quick single.

Rahul Tripathi walks in at number 3.

OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! An absolute seed from Mitchell Starc! He has worked out Abhishek Sharma perfectly here and Starc strikes in the first over, just as he did in Qualifier 1. Starc slants this one in and around the off-stump line, on a good length, Abhishek Sharma plays for the ball angling into him and shapes up to work it towards mid on. The ball nips away overly late and Abhishek gets squared up. The ball whizzes past the outside edge and goes on to clip the off stump.

Oh, dear! Abhishek Sharma would have had his heart in his mouth for a moment there. Starc delivers it on a fullish length, swinging away, outside off, Abhishek Sharma squeezes it with an open bat face and guides it wide of deep backward point. Ramandeep Singh runs around to his left and mops it up. Abhishek goes for a tight second run and has to put in the dive to make his ground. The keeper, Rahmanullah Gurbaz wasn't standing next to the stumps and had to reach out to disturb the stumps, allowing Abhishek to make his ground.

Missed out! Starc errs in line and length as this is too short and wide on off, Abhishek Sharma has to reach out to go up and over on the off side. The ball comes off the toe-end of the bat and drops in front of Andre Russell at cover-point.

And again! Keeps it in the channel on off but it is much closer to the batter this time, on a good length, Abhishek Sharma has a loose poke at the delivery away from his body and he is lucky not to nick this one behind.

Play and a miss straight away! Starc steams in from over the wicket and hurls it on a good length, shaping away, outside off. Abhishek Sharma sees the width on offer and throws his hands at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Done with the pre-match proceedings and it is now time to get play underway. The two umpires are out in the middle and the players of Kolkata are taking their places on the field as well. Then, the fiery southpaw duo of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma walks out to the middle and will open the innings for Hyderabad. Mitchell Starc, another left-hander has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. The crowd builds up the first ball and here we go...

The two sets of players are already out in the middle and will now lineup for the Indian National Anthem.

As the wait continues for the Grand Finale to start, we've got an interesting piece of trivia for you guys. Since 2018, the winner of Qualifier 1 has gone on to lift the trophy. The last team to win the Indian T20 League having featured in Qualifier 2 was Mumbai in 2017. Can Hyderabad emulate them? Or will Kolkata keep the trend going? We shall find out in a few hours time and the action is just a few minutes away.

The skipper of Kolkata, Shreyas Iyer says that they were looking to bowl first so they got what they wanted. Feels that it is better to have a fair idea of how the wicket will play. Adds that they chased in Qualifier 1 and wanted to do the same here in the final. Shares that it is important to stick to the present and see to it that they tick all boxes in terms of execution. Mentions that they have backed each other when they have been put under pressure and it has been pleasing to see. Tells that there are a few nerves in the dressing room with some guys playing their first final but it is a great opportunity. Ends by informing that they are playing with the same team as the last game.

Pat Cummins, the captain of Hyderabad wins the toss and elects to bat first. Adds that the wicket looks good but seems a bit different from the last one and there might not be much dew either. Mentions that they play a particular style which doesn't bear fruits every time but hopes that it does tonight. Ends by informing that it is pretty much the same side with Shahbaz Ahmed coming in for Abdul Samad.

Impact players nominated by Hyderabad - Umran Malik, Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Mayank Markande and Abdul Samad.

Hyderabad (Playing XI) - Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Shahbaz Ahmed (In for Abdul Samad), Pat Cummins (C), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, T Natarajan.

Impact players nominated by Kolkata - Anukul Roy, Manish Pandey, Nitish Rana, KS Bharat and Sherfane Rutherford.

Kolkata (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (C), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.

TOSS - Pat Cummins calls 'heads' and heads it is. Hyderabad have won the toss and they have opted to BAT first.

Mitchell Starc is in for a chat. He says that it was nice to get to Chennai early enough after winning Qualifier 1, and everyone is ready to go. Feels that it will be important to adapt quickly with both bat and ball. Adds that Powerplays in both innings will be pivotal in deciding the outcome. Hopes that the Powerplay goes in their favour, as it did in Qualifier 1. Shares that he has been able to get back into rhythm after missing a game mid-season. Further says that the bowling unit has been fantastic and lauds the top order for their efforts. He mentions that they have improved as a group with every game, and he hopes to have another successful night.

PITCH REPORT - Ian Bishop is pitchside. He starts by informing that a red soil surface will be used for the final. Tells that 63 metres and 70 metres are the dimensions of the square boundaries, with the straight hit being 77 metres. Matthew Hayden joins him and says that red soil surfaces tend to have a lot of bounce. Expects it to be a high-scoring game and feels that the scores could be between 185 and 190. Opines that there will not be much help on offer for the spinners, but the bounce will be significant, and batters will have to be wary of it while going for the big shots. He reckons that cutters will come into play, but all in all, it is a good batting wicket. Bishop ends by saying that there was no dew in the last game, and there won't be any in this game either.

Kolkata and Hyderabad have clashed twice this season, once during the league stage and again in Qualifier 1, with Kolkata emerging victorious on both occasions. However, the final introduces a whole new dynamic, where managing nerves plays a crucial role. Kolkata aim for their third Indian T20 League title, while Hyderabad seek to add a second trophy to their cabinet. It's set to be an intense final you won't want to miss. Who will seize the moment and lift the coveted trophy? Stay tuned for the toss and team news, coming up shortly.

On the other hand, Hyderabad, the wooden spoon holders of the last edition, are one step away from completing their redemption arc. Pat Cummins and Co. overcame the setback they suffered in Qualifier 1 by emerging victorious in Qualifier 2, setting up a date with destiny in the final. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma have been instrumental in their success, often setting the tone with the bat. After a mid-season slump, Heinrich Klaasen seems to have regained his touch in the last couple of games, and his contribution, along with Rahul Tripathi's, will play a significant role in deciding the outcome of the final. Throughout the season, Hyderabad has relied on pace, with Pat Cummins, T Natarajan, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar doing most of the damage. However, in the crucial Qualifier 2, spin came to the fore, with Shahbaz Ahmed shining brightly, and he will be relied upon to replicate his performance in the final.

After failing to qualify for the playoffs for the past two seasons, Kolkata have been on a determined quest to go the distance since the outset of this season. Led by Shreyas Iyer, Kolkata, the table-toppers made it to the final by emerging victorious in Qualifier 1. Sunil Narine's contributions with both bat and ball have been pivotal, playing a significant role in Kolkata's journey in the tournament. It would not be surprising if the Windies all-rounder stepped up again and led Kolkata to cup glory. The Iyer duo, Shreyas and Venkatesh, have also made valuable contributions, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz seamlessly filling the void left by Phil Salt's departure, providing further optimism for Kolkata heading into the final. Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Vaibhav Arora have performed effectively, but much of the focus will be on Mitchell Starc, expected to deliver as he did in Qualifier 1.

And then there were two! The anticipation has reached its peak as we gear up for the grand finale of the 2024 Indian T20 League. The stage is set for an electrifying showdown between Kolkata and Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The venue, where the tournament began on March 22, now becomes the epicentre of excitement as the two teams prepare to battle it out for supremacy. Get ready for a spectacle unlike any other as the quest for supremacy reaches its crescendo.

... MATCH DAY ...

The culmination of a 9-week, 65-day journey, comprising 73 nail-biting matches, has finally reached its decisive title clash as the 2024 edition of the Indian T20 League heads to its grand finale. And what a season it has been! Records have been shattered left, right, and center, with teams and players rewriting the history books in unprecedented ways. We've witnessed a mix of incredible comebacks and shocking setbacks, with underdogs rising to the occasion and favorites faltering at crucial moments. The season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with last-minute thrillers, stunning performances, and unforgettable moments that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. And it all came down to the last couple of league games to decide the top 4. This season will also be remembered for the insane six-hitting, with over 1000 sixes smashed, the highest ever in the tournament's history. We also saw more 200-plus scores than any other season along with fearless performances from new talents stepping up to the plate, alongside the redemption of seasoned veterans. Now, after countless skirmishes, the dust has settled, and only the fiercest contenders remain standing. Get ready to witness the clash of titans as the knights of Kolkata prepare to face off against the fearless warriors from Hyderabad in the ultimate championship battle. When it comes to the team that's first to stride into the finale, Kolkata deserves the title of the most consistent team of the year, having defeated the same opponent in Qualifier 1 to secure their spot in the finale. The brand of cricket Kolkata has showcased throughout their journey to the final has been defined by consistency, resilience, and sheer dominance. They've proudly hovered in the top 2 constantly, showcasing their prowess in every match. Finishing the league stage with a whopping 20 points, boasting 9 wins, the most of the season, and just 3 defeats, the least of the season, Kolkata secured the top spot on the table. Along their journey, Kolkata revamped their ranks and made some crucial adjustments, with Gautam Gambhir at the helm as head coach, steering them towards success. They even notched up the third-highest total (272) of the Indian T20 League against Delhi. Sunil Narine got the nod as the opener, and boy, did he make the most of it! Teaming up with Phil Salt at the top, Sunil Narine and the latter gave bowlers some serious nightmares, smashing the ball out of the park with reckless abandon. Thanks to their relentless hitting, Kolkata always found themselves in the driver's seat, with these two blokes doing all the heavy lifting to boost the scoring rate. Their explosive starts made life a whole lot easier for the batters to follow, and here's the kicker, it was the same story in almost every game! Venkatesh Iyer proved his reliability, never failing to deliver when it counted. And let's not forget about Shreyas Iyer, who was as solid as a rock, consistent through and through. Shreyas Iyer's leadership skills were top-notch, evident in the way he trusted his boys to deliver when it mattered most. Andre Russell might not have had many opportunities, but whenever he stepped up, it was an absolute onslaught with the bat. Plus, he didn't just stop there, but also made valuable contributions with the ball, showcasing his versatility as a responsible all-rounder. Rinku Singh's batting might have flown under the radar for some, but let's not forget, that the heavy contributions from the top order certainly took off a lot of pressure from him. Four of Kolkata's batters surpassed 300-plus runs, proving how dangerous they have been as a batting unit. Kolkata's success wasn't just about their batting prowess, their bowling unit also played a crucial role, making timely inroads whenever needed. Mitchell Starc, the most expensive buy of the season, didn't have the best of starts with the ball, but as the season progressed, he certainly found his rhythm. Varun Chakravarthy, Kolkata's silent assassin, emerged as the third-highest wicket-taker of the season, bamboozling opposition batters with his bag of tricks and crafty variations. And let's not overlook the stellar performances of Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora, the two Indian uncapped bowlers who left a lasting impression too. Turning our attention to their arch-rivals, Hyderabad, the men clad in Orange and Black have been nothing short of carnage for their opposition, ruthlessly dismantling any bowling attack that dared to stand in their way. They've been on a record-breaking rampage, breaching the 250-plus mark three times this season alone, the most by any team, along with the record of hitting the most number of sixes in an inning (22 sixes). Their crowning achievement came when they mounted an astonishing 287, setting the highest score in the history of the competition. Hyderabad finished in the top 2 and benefitted from having two bites at the cherry. Although Qualifier 1 didn't go their way, the Orange Army made a roaring comeback and defeated Rajasthan in Qualifier 2. The explosive southpaw openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head have struck fear into the hearts of bowlers everywhere. Abhishek Sharma stepped up to the plate and delivered with the bat with mad consistency and holds the stat for striking the most number of sixes (42 sixes) in the season, while Travis Head continued his merry way, wreaking havoc on the field. Together, this dynamic duo proved to be a formidable force to reckon with who dominated the Powerplay inflating the scoring rate immensely. To further make it worse for the bowlers, Heinrich Klaasen's brute force sent shivers down the spine of bowlers with his clean hitting. Alongside these seasoned campaigners, the newcomers made their mark as well. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shahbaz Ahmed showcased their utility as batting all-rounders, playing some crucial clutch knocks and further solidifying their batting lineup, coupled with their ability to provide crucial overs with the ball as well. The likes of Aiden Markram, the in-form Protea strongman further solidify the batting lineup. In the bowling department, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, their seasoned campaigner, may not be leading the wicket charts, but he's been instrumental in keeping the batters quiet for the most part. Meanwhile, T Natarajan has been a consistent wicket-taker, always chipping in with crucial breakthroughs for the team. And let's not forget about the skipper, Pat Cummins, who has led his troops with bravery and determination, using all the resources with precision. With all his experience as an Aussie skipper, Cummins is now eyeing this title as well. However, when we look at their head-to-head stats, the men in purple have gotten the better of the Orange Army all three times they clashed earlier this season. For Kolkata, this marks their fourth finale, having clinched two titles already. On the other hand, Hyderabad, two-time champions, one with the now-defunct Deccan team, are all set to enter their third final, eager to add another trophy to their cabinet. With the neutral venue of the MA Chidambaram Stadium at Chepauk, Chennai, anticipation is high as the stage is set for a thrilling finale where these two goliaths will fight to clinch their third title respectively. It's shaping up to be an edge-of-a-seat thriller, with the outcome uncertain until the last ball. Which team are you rooting for?