Kevin Pietersen predicts Kolkata Knight Riders will have an advantage in the IPL 2024 final against SRH, having already defeated them twice this season, including a recent comfortable victory.
Former cricketer Kevin Pietersen has tipped the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to have the upper hand in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which is set for Sunday, May 26, in Chennai. Pietersen pointed out that KKR’s strong spin bowling and their recent successes against SRH could be key factors in the match. KKR has already beaten SRH twice this season, including a thrilling four-run win in the league stage and a convincing eight-wicket victory in Qualifier 1.
When speaking on Star Sports Live, Pietersen noted that SRH seemed to give up too easily in their last match, which could put them at a psychological disadvantage. He highlighted the confidence boost KKR would get from their recent win against SRH. However, Pietersen believes SRH can still win if they play exceptionally well, drawing on their experience from winning the SA20 tournament.
“I didn’t like the way the Sunrisers threw in the towel the other evening in Ahmedabad, and I think it’s going to put them on the back foot for the start on Sunday. The way they just finished that game off, Pat Cummins gave Travis Head the ball, and Shreyas Iyer just went bang, bang, bang,” he said.
“It’ll give KKR a lot of confidence going into the finals knowing that they’ve already beaten SRH a couple of days ago. So it’s going to be hard for the Sunrisers to get up, but I think they will because they won the SA20, so they know how to win,” Pietersen added.
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The former England player further praised the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for their remarkable journey in the IPL 2024, stating that their presence in the final is well-deserved due to their significant contributions to cricket in recent weeks.
“They’ve got a structure that knows how to win, and when you’ve got that belief within the franchise, that belief within the ownership, then momentum has its way. I’m very, very happy that SRH got into the final just because of what they’ve done for the game of cricket in the last eight to nine weeks. I think it is right that the Sunrisers are in this final,” he said.
“The toss is 50-50. I think that you have to consider the possibility of dew and also be prepared if it doesn’t come. It’s all about the mindset and confidence coming into this fixture. That’s where I think KKR have an advantage, given the way they’ve played, their convincing win in qualifier one, and their preparation over the last three or four days,” Pietersen concluded.
KKR and SRH were the standout teams this IPL season. KKR topped the table and secured a final spot by winning Qualifier 1, while SRH defeated Rajasthan Royals in the second qualifier to reach the final against Kolkata.
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Last Updated on May 25, 2024
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