In an exhilarating display of cricket, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) clinched their spot in the final of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 with an emphatic 36-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Qualifier 2 held at Chennai. Demonstrating formidable prowess, SRH set a challenging target of 175 runs which their bowlers defended with precision and skill to seal their place in the anticipated title clash.
The day began with RR winning the toss and opting to bowl first. As SRH took to the crease, their aggressive strategy, a hallmark of their campaign throughout this season, was clear from the outset. Despite losing early wickets in the powerplay, SRH’s intent remained unshaken. Trent Boult, spearheading the RR’s bowling attack, struck early by dismissing Abhishek Sharma, and continued to trouble the batsmen in the initial overs.
Following Abhishek’s initial fireworks that included a six and a four, Boult exploited a lapse in judgment, enticing Sharma into a false shot resulting in a crucial early wicket. Rahul Tripathi then took charge, launching a bold counter-attack alongside Travis Head, who initially played a more cautious role. Tripathi, showing no respect for reputation, targeted the bowlers relentlessly. His shots off Boult and R Ashwin showcased an audacious yet calculated approach that helped in regaining momentum for SRH after early setbacks. His swift 37 off 15 balls was a key contribution before falling prey to Boult once more, guiding a slower delivery to short third-man.
With SRH standing at 57 for three after five overs, Head and Heinrich Klaasen undertook the task of stabilizing the innings. Head slowly shifted gears with boundaries off Sandeep Sharma, while Klaasen’s six over Chahal in the eighth over marked the resurgence of SRH’s innings. However, as quiet overs mounted pressure, Head eventually succumbed to Sandeep’s strategy, steering a delivery directly to third-man.
The final ten overs saw Klaasen pivoting as the linchpin for SRH’s innings, maneuvering the score beyond immediate danger with calculated risk-taking and accumulating vital runs. Even as RR’s bowlers, notably Avesh Khan, struck consistently, reducing SRH to precarious positions, Klaasen’s half-century, reached in just 33 balls, was pivotal.
. Aided by Shahbaz Ahmed, making an impact with a brisk 18-run cameo, SRH ended their innings at a competitive total of 175 for nine.
Avesh Khan and Sandeep Sharma were standout performers for RR, taking three and two wickets respectively, and alongside Boult, they ensured the chase would be challenging for their side.
RR’s pursuit of the target began with promise as Yashasvi Jaiswal initiated the chase aggressively. His impressive strikes, including a six off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the very first over, set the tone for what promised to be a nail-biting run chase. The early overs saw RR gaining a foothold, managing 51 for one in the powerplay, with Jaiswal in commanding form.
However, the narrative swiftly shifted as SRH’s spinners entered the fray. Shahbaz Ahmed was instrumental in breaking the growing partnership, dismissing the in-form Jaiswal for a spirited 42 off just 21 deliveries. The removal of RR’s captain Sanju Samson soon after by Abhishek Sharma further compounded their troubles, leaving them faltering at a crucial juncture.
With RR at an unstable 80 for five after 12 overs, SRH’s spinning duo of Shahbaz and Abhishek tightened their grip, delivering pivotal blows that stymied any attempts of a RR resurgence. Even dynamic batters like Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell could not effectively counter the disciplined SRH bowling attack.
Dhruv Jurel’s valiant resistance stood out as he fought against the odds, reaching his fifty with resilience in 26 balls. But his solitary battle was not enough to steer RR back into contention, as wickets continued to tumble around him.
In a shining exhibition of spin and accuracy, Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhishek Sharma captured five wickets collectively, conceding just 47 runs through eight overs, ensuring SRH remained on top throughout the latter stages of the game.
With this vital victory, Sunrisers Hyderabad have set up a rematch against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the final, having previously clashed in Qualifier 1. The grand finale is set to unfold under the enticing skyline of Chennai, where the stakes and excitement promise to reach unprecedented heights.