In a thrilling contest held in the bustling city of Chennai, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) advanced to the final of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 with a commanding 36-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Qualifier 2 clash. This victory was a testament to SRH’s all-around strength whether wielding the bat or tossing the ball.
Opting to bat first after RR’s decision, SRH set their sights on a challenging target. Despite a few initial stumbles, they managed to put up a solid score of 175. The innings began with fervor, consistent with SRH’s aggressive approach throughout the season. Even amid early setbacks during the powerplay, the tenacity never waned. Trent Boult struck early for RR, putting SRH under pressure. Abhishek Sharma launched SRH’s intentions with a striking six over mid-wicket, followed by a four, but Boult quickly retaliated. His sharp bowling led to Abhishek playing an aerial shot, resulting in a dismissal courtesy of slick fielding on the off-side.
At the crease, Travis Head took his time to acclimate while his partner Rahul Tripathi attacked opposite him with vigour. Tripathi delivered an aggressive innings, each bowler faced with inventive strokes. His encounter with R Ashwin saw him edge the first ball for four through the third-man, and he continued hitting Boult for boundaries. Tripathi persistently targeted Boult with audacious strokes, accumulating 37 runs off just 15 balls, setting an energetic pace for SRH’s innings.
Boult, relentless in his efforts, claimed Aiden Markram’s wicket when an edge led to Yuzvendra Chahal at short third-man taking a sharp catch. Five overs down, SRH stood at 57 runs for the loss of three wickets. A period of rebuilding ensued with Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen steadying the ship. The steady accumulation was disrupted as Head fell to Sandip Sharma, unable to fully capitalise on Sandeep’s delivery.
SRH found their charge rejuvenated through Klaasen’s crucial innings, who stewarded the scoreboard from 120 for six, eventually reaching a defendable 175 for nine.
. His aggressive knock, marked by a timely fifty off 33 balls, provided SRH with much-needed stability. Shahbaz Ahmed also contributed 18 runs as an Impact Player, bolstering the total to offer SRH’s bowlers a reliable platform ahead of their defensive task. The highlight from the RR’s bowling department was Avesh Khan, with a commendable three-wicket haul, along with Boult matching his tally and Sandeep being economical with two wickets.
The chase for RR started positively; Yashaswi Jaiswal dazzling with an authoritative six against Bhuvneshwar, announcing RR’s intentions. Despite losing an early wicket with Pat Cummins dismissing Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Jaiswal continued with firepower, showcasing his formidable form in the initial overs. The powerplay concluded with RR in a strong position at 51 runs for one wicket.
However, it was SRH’s adept spin attack that dramatically altered the outcome during the middle overs. Shahbaz Ahmed delivered a telling blow, dismissing the threatening Jaiswal when he mistimed a shot to the deep. Shortly after, Abhishek Sharma induced a false shot from Sanju Samson, caught superbly by Markram at deep mid-wicket, bringing RR’s momentum to a halt.
These pivotal changes by SRH’s astute spinners tightened their grip as Shahbaz further weakened RR with a formidable double strike in the 12th over, claiming the scalps of Riyan Parag and R Ashwin with deft precision. At 80 for five, RR was under immense pressure with chances of recovery looking slender.
Even the introduction of Shimron Hetmyer as an Impact Player failed to reignite RR’s innings. Partnered with Rovman Powell, both batters struggled to break free from SRH’s disciplined attack. Among the few to stand against the tide was Dhruv Jurel. Demonstrating commendable resilience, he battled alone, reaching an admirable fifty in just 26 deliveries before the match slipped beyond RR’s reach.
The twin assault from SRH’s spinners, Shahbaz and Abhishek, with five wickets between them, gave away only 47 runs in eight overs, sealing the contest emphatically. As does fate with the league, SRH now face a rematch of Qualifier 1 against Kolkata Knight Riders in what promises to be a thrilling finale. The stage is set in Chennai, with both teams eager to lift the revered trophy in the crescendo of IPL 2024.