Watch: Finn Allen smashes 24-run over to give KKR blazing start vs SRH in IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) began well in the run chase of a huge target of 227 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2026 match at Eden Gardens. The crowd was thrilled as Finn Allen came out to bat with a fearless approach. From the first over itself, KKR displayed their intentions to chase the huge target and put pressure on SRH. However, Allen’s fearless approach changed the momentum in favor of KKR quickly.

The Kiwi opener attacked David Payne in the first over and dominated him with his attacking strokes. He smashed 24 runs in the over progressing with 4, 4, 6, 6, 4, delighting the fans at the stadium. Payne struggled to bowl in the right areas, and Allen took full advantage by hitting boundaries easily. This fast start gave KKR a strong base for the difficult chase.

Earlier, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) registered a massive 226/8 after being put in to bat first. Travis Head (46) and Abhishek Sharma (48) got off to a flying start with their 82-run opening partnership. After a small collapse, Heinrich Klaasen scored 52 and Nitish Kumar Reddy added 39 to finish well. For KKR, Blessing Muzarabani was the best bowler with 4 wickets for 41 runs.

Finn Allen takes charge with explosive hitting in powerplay

Finn Allen’s first over was a perfect example of aggressive batting, as he attacked every delivery from David Payne. After Ajinkya Rahane took a single on the first ball, Allen faced the next five balls and went on a boundary-hitting spree. He showed great timing and confidence right from the start.

On the second ball, Payne bowled a full delivery outside off, and Allen drove it beautifully through covers for a four. The third ball was slightly short, and Allen pulled it powerfully in front of square for another boundary. He was quickly finding the gaps and putting pressure on the bowler.

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The fourth ball was pitched full in the slot, and Allen smashed it straight down the ground for a six. On the fifth delivery, Payne tried going short, but Allen was ready and pulled it over deep square leg for another maximum. On the last ball of the over, Allen played a smart cut shot past point for four, ending the over with 25 runs and sending the crowd into a frenzy.

How the 24-run over put SRH bowlers under pressure early

KKR’s good start was clearly visible through the scoreboard during the powerplay, where they reached 74/3 in 6 overs. Despite losing quick wickets, the strike rate was high due to Allen’s early attack. Angkrish Raghuvanshi took the momentum with a quick 31, whereas Rahane found it difficult to get going in the middle.

The early over by Allen made SRH change their bowling strategy. They introduced different bowlers and tried variations, but the pressure had already built up. KKR remained in the chase because of that strong start.

Fans react to Allen’s fiery start in IPL 2026 clash

Fans were thrilled to see such a destructive opening from Finn Allen at Eden Gardens. The crowd went crazy every time Allen hit a four or six in the first over. Soon after, social media was flooded with posts and tweets praising his fearless approach and aggressive mindset on the pitch.

Here how fans react