IPL 2024: Revisiting The Fierce Playoff Rivalry Between KKR And SRH

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have a storied rivalry in the Indian Premier League (IPL), particularly in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs.

As they gear up to face each other in Qualifier 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, May 21, fans are bracing for another intense battle. KKR, who topped the points table with 20 points from nine wins, three losses, and two washouts, have shown remarkable consistency throughout the season.

Meanwhile, SRH, who clinched the second spot with a decisive victory over Punjab Kings on the final day of the league stages, are looking to leverage their momentum to advance directly to the IPL 2024 final.

This upcoming clash brings back memories of their previous playoff encounters, where both teams have experienced thrilling highs and devastating lows. Let's revisit these memorable games to understand the backdrop against which the upcoming match will be played.

On May 25, 2018, at Eden Gardens, Rashid Khan's all-around brilliance propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to a thrilling 14-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Batting first, SRH posted a competitive total of 174 for 7, thanks to a vital unbeaten 34 off 10 balls from Rashid Khan.

His late assault helped SRH recover from a precarious 134 for 6. KKR, in response, started well with Chris Lynn scoring 48, but Rashid's magic with the ball (3 for 19) turned the tide. He dismissed key batsmen including Lynn, Robin Uthappa, and Andre Russell, ensuring KKR could only muster 160 for 9.

Rashid also contributed in the field with two catches and a crucial run-out, making him the undisputed star of the match and securing SRH a spot in the final against Chennai Super Kings.

On May 17, 2017, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeated defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by seven wickets in a rain-affected Eliminator at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. SRH, batting first, struggled against a disciplined KKR bowling attack, managing only 128 for 7 in 20 overs.

David Warner top-scored with 37, while Nathan Coulter-Nile starred with the ball for KKR, claiming 3 for 20. Rain interrupted play, reducing KKR's chase to a six-over affair with a target of 48.

Despite a shaky start, losing three wickets in the first seven balls, captain Gautam Gambhir's composed 32 not out guided KKR to victory with four balls to spare. This win took KKR to Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians, while SRH's journey ended in the 2017 season.

IPL 2016 Eliminator: SRH vs KKR at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi

On May 25, 2016, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) edged past Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 22 runs in the Eliminator. Batting first, SRH scored 162 for 8, with Yuvraj Singh's 30-ball 44 providing crucial runs. In reply, KKR were restricted to 140 for 8, thanks to a stellar bowling performance led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who took 3 for 19.

Despite efforts from Manish Pandey, who scored 36, KKR could not maintain momentum against SRH's disciplined bowling attack. Yuvraj's contribution was not limited to his batting; his direct hit to run out Colin Munro was pivotal. SRH's win set them up for a clash with Gujarat Lions in the second qualifier.