KKR vs SRH: "Kolkata Knight Riders are going in the final" - Wasim Akram makes bold prediction

Legendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram has backed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2024. Wasim Akram stated that the Knight Riders have wicket-taking bowlers, describing them as a dangerous side.

The Shreyas Iyer-led team performed exceptionally throughout the tournament. The KKR team finished at the top of the points table at the end of the league stage. They secured nine victories and three losses in the IPL 2024. They have the highest NRR of 1.428 in the ongoing season.

Sunrisers Hyderabad adopted a slightly more aggressive approach in their batting department in the IPL 2024. The Hyderabad-based team crossed the 250-run mark three times in this year's tournament. The team led by Pat Cummins secured second place with 17 points in 14 matches.

In their previous encounter during the league stage, Shreyas Iyer's team secured a 4-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens. Sunrisers Hyderabad came close to chasing down the 209-run target. However, they failed to score seven runs off the last five balls in Harshit Rana's over.

The Teams That Will Take Wickets Will Win The Matches - Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram praised KKR's bowling effort throughout the season. Akram highlighted the wicket-taking abilities of KKR bowlers. The legendary pacer described KKR as a calm, confident, and dangerous team.

“This is [bowling] is one of the main factors [behind KKR finishing on top of the points table]. There are wicket-taking bowlers. The teams that will take wickets will win the matches," Akram told Sportskeeda.

“If you see Chakaravarthy has 18, Harshit Rana’s 16, all-rounders Andre Russell and Sunil Narine have 15, and Mitchell Starc has 12. Starc single-handedly won them a game as well. They are going in the final as a calm, confident, and very dangerous side for sure,” he added.

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the 'Qualifier 1' match between the Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday, May 21. The winner of the match will advance to the final encounter, while the loser will face the winner of the 'Eliminator' match in Qualifier 2.

Almost Everyone Performed - Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram, who previously coached KKR, praised their batting prowess. Akram cited Manish Pandey's contribution in a game as an example of the team's collective performance. He emphasized that KKR's aggression is controlled, without being arrogant or overly confident.

“Almost everyone performed, they played Manish Pandey in one game and he also delivered. So, that shows that everybody is happy and confident. They have aggression, but they have controlled aggression. They are not cocky or overconfident," Akram further added.

Phil Salt's Absence Will Affect Them - Wasim Akram

Akram expressed concern about Phil Salt's absence in the playoffs. Salt is the second-highest run scorer for KKR this season, with 435 runs in 12 matches. All England players, including Salt, are unavailable for the IPL 2024 playoffs due to their preparations for the 2024 T20 World Cup.

“No doubt, Phil Salt’s absence will affect them,” Akram concluded.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz will step in to replace Salt as the wicketkeeper and opener in KKR's playing XI. Gurbaz showcased his potential last season by scoring 227 runs in 11 games, including two half-centuries.

Also read: Harbhajan Singh names the 2 teams that will play the IPL 2024 final