Cricket

The highly anticipated Qualifier 1 clash of the IPL 2024 between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday is set to be a thrilling encounter. However, the weather forecast has cast a shadow over the match, with concerns of rain looming.Historically, KKR has a psychological edge over SRH, having won the IPL title in 2012 and 2014 when they finished in the top two. This season, KKR has been in impressive form, securing the top spot with 20 points from 14 matches.According to AccuWeather, there is no forecasted rain for Tuesday's match, but dew is expected to impact the second innings due to high humidity. The temperature is anticipated to range between 31 and 37 degrees Celsius, suggesting conditions may favor a high-scoring game.However, with three of the last eight IPL matches being abandoned due to rain, both teams will be wary of a washout. If the match is rained out, KKR will automatically advance to the final due to their higher points tally in the league stage, as per IPL rules.As per IPL Rule 13.7.3, an extra 120 minutes is allowed to complete a match if delayed or interrupted, which is double the usual allowance. If the weather doesn't permit play to resume within this extended time frame, the higher-ranked team, in this case, KKR, will progress directly to the final.KKR has not played a match in the last 10 days due to back-to-back washouts, including their last league game against Rajasthan Royals. Despite this, they remain confident, buoyed by the return of mentor Gautam Gambhir and the consistent performance of their bowlers.Former Pakistan captain and ex-KKR coach Wasim Akram has lauded KKR's bowling unit, highlighting the collective effort that has seen Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Mitchell Starc perform consistently.SRH, led by Pat Cummins, enter the contest with winning momentum after a decisive victory over Punjab Kings in their last home game. However, they face a big challenge in the form of table-toppers KKR.KKR, despite the absence of key player Phil Salt, who has returned for national duties, remain a formidable opponent. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is expected to step in as Salt's replacement.

Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders Clash in IPL 2024 OpenerKolkata, March 23: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season kicked off with a thrilling encounter between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.SRH captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit the early morning conditions. KKR captain Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, was confident in his team's batting lineup.The KKR openers, Venkatesh Iyer and Phil Salt, got off to a solid start, putting on 45 runs for the first wicket. However, the introduction of Marco Jansen into the attack proved to be a game-changer. The South African left-arm pacer dismissed both openers in quick succession, leaving KKR reeling at 45/2.Shreyas Iyer and Nitish Rana then steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership. But just when KKR seemed to be gaining momentum, Cummins struck with a double-wicket over, removing both Iyer and Rana.Andre Russell and Sunil Narine provided some late fireworks, but KKR could only manage to post a total of 165/8 in their allotted 20 overs.In response, SRH got off to a shaky start, losing Mayank Agarwal and Rahul Tripathi cheaply. However, Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen steadied the ship with a 60-run partnership.Markram, in particular, played a brilliant innings, scoring 75 runs off just 50 deliveries. He was well-supported by Klaasen, who contributed 45 runs.Despite a late surge from KKR, led by Mitchell Starc's 3/30, SRH managed to chase down the target with four balls to spare.Key Details:* SRH won the toss and elected to bowl first.* KKR posted a total of 165/8 in 20 overs.* SRH chased down the target with four balls to spare.* Aiden Markram was named Player of the Match for his brilliant 75-run knock.