The Eden Gardens witnessed a heart-stopping finish on Sunday, April 21st, as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) edged past the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by a mere run in a high-scoring encounter. Mitchell Starc’s sensational last-over catch, a moment of pure brilliance, proved to be the turning point in this dramatic victory for KKR.
Chasing a target of 222 runs, RCB looked poised for victory when Karn Sharma stepped up to the crease in the final over. With just two wickets remaining and 21 runs needed, Sharma unleashed a flurry of power hitting, smashing three sixes off the first four deliveries bowled by Mitchell Starc. Suddenly, the equation looked straightforward for RCB – just three runs required from the final two balls.
However, the tide turned dramatically with Mitchell Starc’s exceptional display in the field. His fifth delivery, intended to be a yorker, ended up being a low full-toss. Undeterred, Sharma swung his bat fiercely, but instead of finding the boundary, the ball rocketed back towards the bowler.
WATCH – Karn Sharma’s Last Over Heroics With Sixes Falls Short: RCB’s Dramatic Loss To KKR
In a split second, Mitchell Starc displayed remarkable reflexes, diving low and completing a sensational catch in his follow-through. This dismissal of Sharma effectively extinguished RCB’s hopes of victory.
Needing just three runs from the final ball, Lockie Ferguson attempted a desperate sprint for a second run but was caught short, resulting in a run-out and sealing KKR’s dramatic one-run win. This victory propelled KKR back to the second position in the IPL 2024 points table with five wins from seven matches. Conversely, RCB finds themselves languishing at the bottom of the table after suffering their seventh defeat in eight games.
WATCH – Rajat Patidar Decimates Suyash Sharma: Scores 22 Runs In One Over
Starc’s last-gasp catch not only showcased his athleticism and exceptional fielding skills but also epitomized the spirit of never giving up in a pressure-cooker situation. This match will undoubtedly be etched in the memory of cricket fans for a long time, serving as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the IPL and the drama that unfolds with each passing over.
