In a dominant display, Mitchell Starc's early strikes helped Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secure an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the first qualifier of the IPL, played at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday. This win propels KKR into their fourth IPL final.

Two-time champions Kolkata bowled out Hyderabad for 159, with Starc claiming three crucial wickets to return figures of 3-34. His performance was instrumental in KKR's bowling effort, which effectively stifled SRH's batting lineup. 

"We needed to pick early wickets," said Starc, who was named Player of the Match. "The spinners were effective and the whole bowling department was bang on."

Starc, who became the most expensive buy in IPL history when Kolkata purchased him for $2.98 million in the December auction, once again proved his worth. His wickets included the prized scalps of Travis Head, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Shahbaz Ahmed, leaving SRH reeling at 39-4 in just five overs.

Rahul Tripathi, who scored 55, and Heinrich Klaasen, with 32, tried to stabilize the innings with a partnership of 62 runs. However, Varun Chakravarthy's spin dismissed Klaasen, and Tripathi was later run out, causing a further collapse. SRH's captain, Pat Cummins, managed a late 30 off 24 balls to push the total to 159.

In response, KKR chased down the target with ease. Rahmanullah Gurbaz's quick-fire 23 off 14 balls and Sunil Narine's 21 provided a strong start. Venkatesh Iyer and skipper Shreyas Iyer then combined in an unbeaten partnership of 97 runs to see KKR home with 38 balls to spare. Venkatesh scored 51 not out, while Shreyas contributed 58 not out, sealing the victory with a six.

Despite the extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 44 degrees Celsius, the match saw significant attendance. Over 75,000 fans braved the conditions, with regular water breaks for both players and spectators.

SRH, however, will have another chance to reach the final when they face the winner of the eliminator between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second qualifier on Friday in Chennai.

"We all have played enough cricket, and going to a new venue (Chennai) helps us as well, so we gotta keep this behind and move on," said Cummins.

The qualifier's outcome underscored KKR's effective bowling strategy, as highlighted by Shreyas Iyer. "The attitude and approach of all bowlers was to take wickets and they did. When you have a variety in the bowling line-up, it's mesmerising."

With their place in the final secured, KKR awaits the outcome of the next qualifier to determine their opponent in the championship match.