NEW DELHI:
Mitchell Starc
delivered a sensational opening spell, propelling Kolkata Knight Riders to their third Indian Premier League title with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in a lopsided final at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai on Sunday.
KKR bowled out Sunrisers Hyderabad for the lowest total in an IPL final, just 113 runs, as Australia's left-arm quick Starc shone brightly, claiming figures of 2-14, reaffirming his status as one of the premier bowlers in the world's most lucrative T20 tournament.
Starc, acquired by KKR for a record Rs 24.75 crore in the December auction, concluded the IPL with two standout performances, including a match-winning 3-34 in the first playoff against the same opponent.
Starc was adjudged Man of the Match for his fiery spell.
"Great night for KKR. What a game, what a season. Probably the two most exciting teams in the final, it was a great final. We have had a fantastic squad of bowlers and batters, our staff have been fantastic to get everyone peaking. We've been such a consistent side, contributions from everyone. We lost the toss and got to use the ball first. Having watched the match a few nights ago here, not really what the wicket was going to do. It was about adapting," Starc said after KKR won the title.
"Shreyas was fantastic with the way he used the bowlers and fields. Credits to him. The bowling unit showed all the skills," he said.
"There's been jokes about the money. It's been a long time since I have played the IPL. I am experienced, that's helped with all the expectations. Glad that I am experienced and older. It's been a lot of fun. Full credit to the whole players and staff," the Australian said.
This victory marked KKR's second title triumph at the venue, following their maiden trophy win in 2012.
After KKR bowled Sunrisers out for a paltry 113, it was Starc who stole the spotlight, claiming the wicket of in-form Indian batsman Abhishek Sharma for just two runs with a delivery that pitched in the middle and clipped the top of the off stump.
The top order of Sunrisers faltered, with Travis Head departing for a duck, caught behind off the bowling of fast bowler Vaibhav Arora.
Starc struck again, leaving the opposition reeling at 47-4 within seven overs.
Starc is part of the Australia squad for the T20 World Cup, to be held in the US and West Indies.
Australia will kick off their World Cup campaign against Oman on June 5 at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.
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