Cricket

Mitchell Starc’s away-swinger ‘ball of the IPL 2024’: Matthew Hayden

Former Australian Matthew Hayden picked Mitchell Starc’s away-swinger in the IPL 2024 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad as the ball of the tournament. Starc got the new ball to swing and hit Abhishek Sharma’s top of off-stump to dismiss the in-form left-hander for two runs.

Ergo, the KKR gun fast bowler gave a perfect start to his team in the all-important final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday. Starc also accounted for Rahul Tripathi and returned with impressive figures of 2-14 in the three overs he bowled in the final.

Starc was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine performance as he played a key role in skittling out SRH at 113. Furthermore, Starc had returned with fine figures of 3-34 in the first qualifier against the Orange Army.

Reflecting on Starc’s pivotal delivery, Hayden told Star Sports Cricket Live, “The moment that ball left Mitchell Starc’s hands, it was game over. It was destined to be the best ball of the IPL — an absolute peach at a critical time.”

Former England swashbuckling batter Kevin Pietersen also showered praise on Mitchell Starc for lifting his game in the playoffs after a sedate run in the league stage.

“Mitchell Starc was averaging around 136-137 kmph for much of the season. But in the last two weeks, he has surpassed 140 kmph, which is his usual pace. He is bowling fast,” Pietersen remarked.

“We didn’t see him swing the ball for the first seven or eight weeks of the tournament. But recently, he managed to get his wrist in the right place and began swinging the ball back,” he added.

On the other hand, Pietersen also hailed KKR’s all-rounder Sunil Narine, who was awarded the MVP of the season. The southpaw scored 488 runs in 14 matches of IPL 2024 at an average of 34.86 and a blistering strike rate of 180.74. Furthermore, Narine scalped 17 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 21.65 and a parsimonious economy rate of 6.69.

“At the tournament’s start, I was critical of Sunil Narine as an opener due to his inconsistency. However, this season, he has batted with exceptional consistency and a phenomenal strike rate,” Pietersen said.

“His bowling remains top-notch. His ability to adapt his action while maintaining stellar performance is impressive. He is the heart and soul of KKR,” Pietersen concluded.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“They are trying to cook Bumrah” – Simon Doull reveals how 2024-25 BGT schedule negates gun pacer’s threat

Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull has revealed how Cricket Australia has tried to… Read More

November 7, 2024

“Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma are the right people to talk about it”- Sandeep Patil on India preferring turning pitches for home Tests

Former Indian batter Sandeep Patil reckons head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma are… Read More

November 7, 2024

“I am myself actually surprised that Virat is getting out like this” – Wasim Jaffer on Virat Kohli’s struggles against spin in IND vs NZ 2024 Tests

Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer shared his surprise that Virat Kohli struggled to get… Read More

November 7, 2024

“My 4 priority players are Yuzvendra Chahal, Kagiso Rabada, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Ravi Ashwin” – AB de Villiers’ wish for RCB in IPL 2025 auction

Former South African captain AB de Villiers wants RCB to target Yuzvendra Chahal, Kagiso Rabada,… Read More

November 7, 2024

“There is still a place for a player like Cheteshwar Pujara” – Robin Uthappa on India’s squad for BGT 2024-25

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa feels there is still a place for a player like… Read More

November 7, 2024

“I wouldn’t say my RCB journey’s over” – Glenn Maxwell hopeful of once again playing for the franchise

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell was happy with the way Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Andy… Read More

November 7, 2024