How Rashid Khan Single-Handedly Eliminated Kolkata Knight Riders from IPL 2018

T20 cricket is a thrilling, fast-paced format where games can flip in a matter of balls. To thrive in such intensity, teams rely on match-winners who can deliver instant impact and no one comes close to that more than Rashid Khan. In the 2018 IPL Qualifier 2, Rashid delivered a sensational all-round performance that propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad into the final by knocking out Kolkata Knight Riders. He didn’t just bowl brilliantly; he contributed with the bat and in the field as well. It was a game where Rashid’s brilliance overshadowed everyone else. But how exactly did he turn the game around for SRH? Let’s dive into the heroics of that unforgettable night.

SRH vs KKR: IPL 2018 Qualifier 2

Being one of the most unforgettable games in IPL history, the Qualifier 2 of IPL 2018 between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, was a thrilling contest that showed how a single player’s all-round brilliance can change the course of a high-stakes match. Rashid Khan’s magical performance powered SRH into the final, ending KKR’s campaign. Let’s break down how both innings unfolded and how Rashid truly stole the show.

Sunrisers Hyderabad were put into bat by KKR after losing the toss. Under playoff pressure and facing a confident home crowd, SRH knew the need for a strong start. Openers Wriddhiman Saha and Shikhar Dhawan did just that, giving their side a steady platform. The two added 56 runs in 7.1 overs. Dhawan looked particularly sharp, striking 4 fours and a six on his way to 34 off 24 balls before he was trapped lbw by Kuldeep Yadav in the 8th over. Just four balls later, captain Kane Williamson, who had been in prolific form all season, was caught behind by Dinesh Karthik for just 3 runs, a massive blow for SRH, reducing them to 60/2.

The pressure mounted when Saha, who had looked set on 35 from 27, was stumped off Chawla’s bowling in the 11th over, leaving SRH at 84/3. Shakib Al Hasan and Deepak Hooda then tried to rebuild, but the scoring rate dipped. Shakib scored a cautious 28 off 24 balls, but in an unfortunate moment, was run out by Kuldeep Yadav in the 15th over at 113/4. It triggered a mini-collapse.

Hooda, who had just started freeing his arms, fell soon after for 19 off 19 in the 17th over, caught by Chawla off Narine. SRH’s hopes of a strong finish took another hit when Carlos Brathwaite was run out for 8 in the 18th over, thanks to a sharp throw by Nitish Rana. In the next over, Yusuf Pathan, looking for big shots, was caught by Chawla off Mavi for just 3 runs.

At 138/7 after 18.1 overs, it seemed like SRH had completely lost the plot, with momentum swinging heavily in KKR’s favour.

A below-par score was staring them in the face, and KKR were already dreaming of the final. But then came Rashid Khan, and everything changed. Walking in with just 11 balls left in the innings, Rashid wasted no time. He started with a four and then went on a six-hitting spree. He smashed 2 fours and 4 sixes in a sensational cameo of 34 off just 10 balls, lifting SRH from 138 to 174/7 in 20 overs of their innings.

His strike rate of 340.00 was simply unreal, especially given the context of the innings and pressure. He provided exactly the kind of momentum shift SRH needed to re-enter the contest. Among KKR bowlers, Kuldeep Yadav (2/29) and Sunil Narine (1/24) were economical and effective. But Prasidh Krishna’s 56 runs in 4 overs turned out costly, especially during the death overs where Rashid exploded.

Needing 175 to win and secure a place in the final, KKR came out blazing. Their openers Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine took full advantage of the powerplay. In just 6 overs, they stormed to 67/0. Narine was brutal, scoring 26 off 13 balls with 4 fours and a six, before falling in the 4th ball of the 7th over, caught by Brathwaite off Kaul. Still, with 67/1 in 6.3 overs, KKR were in command. Then, Nitish Rana, who looked fluent with 22 off 16, was run out by a brilliant direct hit from Rashid Khan in the 9th over. KKR were still solid at 87/2, but it was the start of a collapse.

In the 11th over, Rashid bowled Robin Uthappa for 2 off 8, rattling the stumps and silencing Eden Gardens. Uthappa’s slow innings added pressure. At 93/3, Dinesh Karthik walked in but could only manage 8 runs, bowled by Shakib in the 12th over, 108/4. Two balls later, Rashid struck again as the big fish Chris Lynn, who had made 48 off 31, was caught by Saha. With KKR suddenly 108/5, the game turned on its head. In Rashid’s final over, he removed Andre Russell, caught at deep point by Dhawan. Russell, known for match-turning finishes, could only manage 3 off 7 balls. That wicket, at 14.4 overs, left KKR reeling at 118/6.

Piyush Chawla and Shubman Gill tried to fight back. Chawla scored 12 but was bowled by Kaul in the 18th over, reducing KKR to 145/7. Gill (30 off 20) still kept some hope alive but then, in the 19th over, he skied a shot and was caught by Rashid Khan at long-off. Two balls later, Shivam Mavi tried going big but also perished, caught by Rashid again. Both wickets fell in the 19th over by Brathwaite, sinking KKR to 160/9.

KKR needed 15 runs off the final 3 balls, but the last pair at the crease, Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna couldn’t pull off a miracle. SRH had successfully defended the total, winning by 14 runs and qualifying for the Finals of the tournament. Rashid Khan ended with staggering match figures and His contribution came in every department of the game. He didn’t just influence the outcome as he defined it. In the post-match presentation, Rashid Khan said:

It was much needed for me, wanted to give my 100 per cent in all departments. The focus was to just believe in my skills. I was happy with the batting, it was needed in the end. I started my career as a batsman, I believe in my skills and wanted to finish off well. I just tried to pick the lengths, the focus was to play straight. That was the plan from the senior players. Fielding is one department where you can’t make excuses, compared to last year, I’ve worked really hard in my fielding. If I can’t contribute with bat or ball, I’m always looking forward to contributing on the field. Modern cricket demands that. I’m working hard on that.

His performance not only broke KKR’s momentum but also boosted SRH’s confidence in every phase of the match. Whether it was his last-over blitz with the bat, his dream spell with the ball, or his crucial efforts in the field, Rashid proved why he’s considered one of the best T20 players in the world.