IPL 2024: Kolkata clinch thrilling win against Hyderabad despite Klaasen's heroics

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Heinrich Klaasen almost pulled off a remarkable victory for his side before young Kolkata Knight Riders bowler Harshit Rana had the last word in a thriller at Eden Gardens on Saturday.

South African Klaasen smashed 63 runs off 29 balls, including eight sixes, to drag his side back into the contest as they chased 209 for victory.

He went into the final over with his side needing just 13 runs and hammered Rana's first ball for six over square leg but the 22-year-old seamer followed up by conceding just two singles and a dot ball off his next five deliveries.

He also took the wickets of Shahbaz Ahmed and Klaasen in the space of three balls.

Pat Cummins, on his IPL debut as captain, faced the final ball and needed four to tie the match but Harshit bowled a dot ball to trigger wild celebrations as the hosts won by four runs.

West India Andre Russell also put on a superb show for Kolkata as he steered them to 208-7 with his unbeaten 25-ball 64 and a 81-run stand with Rinku Singh after England's Phil Salt began the batting charge with his 54.

It was heartbreaking for Cummins, who took charge of Hyderabad after the franchise paid $2.5 million for the 30-year-old fast bowler.

Fellow Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc broke the record in the same auction when Kolkata shelled out $2.98 million for the left-arm quick.

Starc endured a day to forget, however, getting hit for 53 runs off his four overs.

It was Russell who stole the thunder as he destroyed the Hyderabad bowling with seven sixes and three fours.

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