In a thrilling contest at Chennai’s cricketing paradise, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) showcased their resilience and strategic prowess to advance to the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final with a decisive 36-run triumph against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2. Choosing to bat first, SRH constructed a formidable total of 175 runs, anchored by a series of calculated partnerships and remarkable performances, a score that their bowlers defended with grace and determination.
Upon being invited to set the target by Rajasthan Royals, SRH epitomized their attacking philosophy that has become synonymous with their 2024 IPL campaign. Despite the early hiccups, losing critical wickets during the powerplay, Sunrisers maintained their aggressive game plan. Trent Boult, RR’s pace spearhead, was largely responsible for the early damage inflicted upon SRH, but the Hyderabad outfit had other plans.
Abhishek Sharma initially fired off with a robust six over mid-wicket, setting a bold tone as he followed up with a boundary. However, Boult demonstrated why he’s one of the fiercest bowlers in the league, dismissing Sharma with a sharp delivery that resulted in a catch on the off-side. This setback necessitated a regroup, and Travis Head began cautiously, stabilizing from the other end whilst Rahul Tripathi launched an assertive stroke play.
Tripathi, refusing to bow to SRH’s pressure, unleashed an array of shots irrespective of who bowled. When R Ashwin took the ball in the second over, Tripathi deftly edged a four through the third-man, introducing a faster pace into the innings. He continued his assault on Boult in subsequent overs, visibly discharging the pressure and bringing momentum back into the SRH innings. Although Tripathi’s fiery 37-run blitz off 15 balls was curtailed by Boult’s clever slower delivery, which directed a catch to third-man, he had effectively set the platform for a competitive total.
The early onslaught was complemented by a steadying partnership between Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen, who embarked on reconstructing the innings after SRH were stationed precariously at 57 for three in five overs. Head, who took his first boundary off Sandeep Sharma, managed to establish a semblance of stability. Klaasen meanwhile, picked Chahal for a six over mid-wicket as SRH approached the middle overs, though Head eventually succumbed to a strategic delivery by Sandeep, nicking one to the third-man.
As the game advanced into the final 10 overs, it was Klaasen who stood out, orchestrating SRH’s late charge.
. Despite consistent strikes by RR bowlers aimed at limiting further advances, Klaasen maneuvered the innings from a shaky 120 for six to a formidable 175. His efforts came to fruition as he reached his half-century off just 33 balls. Joining the offensive fray, Shahbaz Ahmed, deployed as an Impact Player, further contributed 18 vital runs, elevating SRH’s tally to a defendable 175 for nine. The disciplined bowling attack of Avesh Khan (three for 27) and Sandeep Sharma (two for 25) alongside Boult (three wickets) were the highlights for RR.
In response, RR’s chase was anchored by the promising start of Yashaswi Jaiswal, who seemed relentless, clobbering Bhuvneshwar Kumar for six over mid-wicket in the first over itself. Although RR completed the powerplay at 51 for one, in a strong position with Jaiswal settled, SRH introduced their spinners into the attack, a move that transformed the game.
The duo of Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhishek Sharma unleashed a spin web around RR’s batting lineup. Shahbaz dismissed Jaiswal, catching him off-guard when caught in the deep for 42 in the eighth over. Shortly after, an inspired Abhishek drew Sanju Samson into an aerial shot, taken comfortably at deep mid-wicket by Markram, further escalating the troubles for the Royals.
Securing five wickets between them, Shahbaz and Abhishek applied immense pressure with pinpoint spin deliveries, conceding only 47 runs during their eight-over offensive. The gradual dismissal of top-order batsmen like Riyan Parag and R Ashwin, who fell victim to Shahbaz’s double-wicket strike in the 12th over, saw RR crumble to 80 for five.
Due to SRH’s piercing attack, RR struggled to muster a comeback. Even with Impact Player Shimron Hetmyer on field, RR’s batting order faltered, and despite Dhruv Jurel’s brave half-century off 26 deliveries, the match was beyond RR’s reach by penultimate overs. Ultimately, SRH secured a spot in the finals against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) setting up an eagerly anticipated rematch at Chennai.
This commanding victory sees Sunrisers Hyderabad through to the final with sky-high confidence, showcasing their capability of combining tactical spin with astute batting under condition-laden pressure.