In a thrilling encounter at the Qualifier 2 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) emerged victorious over Rajasthan Royals (RR) with a solid 36-run win, securing their berth in the final. Held at the iconic venue in Chennai, the match witnessed an impressive all-round performance by SRH, who posted a competitive total of 175 runs and then successfully restricted their opponents with a memorable bowling display.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, when asked to bat first by Rajasthan Royals, demonstrated their aggressive playing style consistent throughout the season. Despite an initial setback with wickets tumbling in the powerplay, SRH kept their attacking momentum alive. The innings opened with Abhishek Sharma, who hit a remarkable six over mid-wicket, quickly followed by a boundary. However, RR’s Trent Boult, known for his bowling prowess, soon made an impact, forcing a false shot out of Sharma that resulted in a vital catch on the off-side.
Travis Head, exhibiting patience on one end, joined forces with the dynamic Rahul Tripathi, who took an aggressive stance, leveraging every bowler that came his way. When RR’s experienced R Ashwin entered the attack, Tripathi dispatched the ball with a four through third-man, although with a touch of edginess. Tripathi kept the charge alive against Boult and Ashwin’s returns, scoring consecutive fours and a six. Boult, however, managed to break this rhythm by claiming another wicket as Tripathi’s attempt for another big hit resulted in a catch to short third-man. Tripathi’s brisk 37 off 15 deliveries provided SRH a much-needed early impetus.
Boult’s admirable form continued as he caught Aiden Markram’s edge, resulting in a straightforward catch by Yuzvendra Chahal, stationed strategically at short third-man. This brought the SRH score to 57 for three by the end of five overs. Travis Head, along with Heinrich Klaasen, took on the mantle of rebuilding the innings. Head’s cautious start shifted gears as he seized a boundary off Sandeep Sharma in the sixth over, while Klaasen showcased his skills with a towering six over mid-wicket against Chahal in the eighth.
Despite a few quiet overs, SRH’s intent never waned.
. Klaasen, pivotal to SRH’s innings, launched another scoring spree, countering a tough RR bowling attack that included Avesh Khan, who dented SRH’s progress with two crucial wickets in the 14th over. Nitish Reddy and Abdul Samad were sent back in quick succession as RR fought to contain SRH’s score below threatening levels. Shahbaz Ahmed came in as an Impact Player and chipped in with a vital 18-run contribution, coupled with a resilient Klaasen who reached his fifty off 33 balls.
As SRH closed their innings at 175 for nine, RR found commendable performances with Sandeep Sharma claiming two scalps and Avesh and Boult capturing three wickets each. However, RR’s chase faced hurdles right from the start. Even though Yashaswi Jaiswal looked promising, sending Bhuvneshwar Kumar over mid-wicket for a six in the very first over, RR struggled under SRH’s calculated bowling. Pat Cummins struck the first blow by dismissing Tom Kohler-Cadmore, unsettling RR’s chase from the get-go.
The powerplay ended with RR at a hopeful 51 for one, but SRH’s spinners were prepared to change the game’s narrative. Shahbaz, breaking the partnership, had Jaiswal caught deep in the eighth over. Abhishek Sharma further piled pressure when he induced Sanju Samson to loft a catch to deep mid-wicket, claimed skillfully by Markram.
Shahbaz and Abhishek’s combined cunning spin tactics choked RR’s lineup. With a double-wicket haul in the 12th over, Shahbaz dismissed Riyan Parag and Ashwin, reducing RR to 80 for five in twelve overs, placing SRH firmly in control. Despite a fight put up by Dhruv Jurel, who reached a commendable half-century off 26 deliveries, the chase never truly threatened SRH’s hold over the game.
The lack of momentum from other RR players, including the introduction of Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell as strategies to revive the innings, were contained by SRH’s disciplined bowling. Ultimately, both Shahbaz and Abhishek were instrumental, claiming five wickets collectively and keeping a tight leash on runs, conceding just 47 from their combined eight overs.
With this decisive win, Sunrisers Hyderabad have now set their sights on the final showdown against the formidable Kolkata Knight Riders, promising an electrifying climax to IPL 2024, to be held in Chennai this Sunday.