In a thrilling Qualifier 2 match of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) delivered a commanding performance to secure a 36-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Chennai. This triumph propels SRH to the finals, where they will clash with the formidable Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the coveted title.
Upon being sent to bat first by RR, SRH set a challenging target by accumulating 175 runs on the scoreboard. The Hyderabad side displayed an aggressive intent from the outset, a strategy they’ve consistently employed throughout the league. However, they faced early hurdles, losing a few wickets in the powerplay.
Trent Boult, leading the charge for RR, tried to stymie SRH’s progress. Boult struck early, dismissing Abhishek Sharma who had begun with a promising six over mid-wicket followed by a boundary. Sharma attempted another aggressive stroke but ended up giving a catch, inviting more scrutiny onto the SRH batting line-up.
SRH’s Travis Head took his time to settle at one end, while Rahul Tripathi took the responsibility of attacking. Tripathi was relentless, showing no signs of backing down regardless of the bowler. His aggressive stint saw quick runs off R Ashwin and Boult in successive overs. He played a pivotal role, contributing 37 runs off just 15 balls, energizing SRH’s innings before falling to Boult, who continued to trouble the batsmen.
Despite SRH being at 57 for three after five overs, Head and Heinrich Klaasen embarked on a mission to stabilize the innings. Initially, Head was subdued in his approach but soon found his rhythm, dispatching a boundary off Sandeep Sharma.
Klaasen, steady at the other end, began to flex his hitting muscles in the later overs, starting with a powerful six off Yuzvendra Chahal. The RR bowlers, however, managed to keep the pressure on, picking key wickets to ensure SRH didn’t get too far ahead. Avesh Khan’s double strike in the 14th over was a critical juncture. He dismissed Nitish Reddy and Abdul Samad in quick succession, both falling prey to Chahal’s acumen in the field.
Despite the setbacks, Klaasen anchored the innings and stepped up the tempo towards the end. Alongside Shahbaz Ahmed, brought in as an Impact Player, Klaasen guided SRH to a defendable total.
. Klaasen reached his fifty in 33 balls, showcasing his resilience and prowess under pressure. SRH ultimately posted 175 for nine, with notable contributions from Sandeep Sharma and Avesh Khan, the latter taking three wickets for 27 runs. Boult also claimed three significant wickets.
In response, RR’s chase began brightly with Yashasvi Jaiswal striking Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a six in the very first over. However, the early dismissal of Tom Kohler-Cadmore by Pat Cummins was a setback. Jaiswal went on to play a few spectacular shots, including three boundaries and a six off Bhuvneshwar Kumar, suggesting a promising chase for RR.
But SRH’s spinners had different plans. Shahbaz Ahmed turned the game on its head by dismissing Jaiswal, who had scored a brisk 42 off 21 balls. Abhishek Sharma joined the attack and removed Sanju Samson, who lofted one straight to deep mid-wicket, caught comfortably by Aiden Markram.
RR’s middle order crumbled under SRH’s spinners. Shahbaz tightened SRH’s grip with a two-wicket haul in the 12th over, dismissing Riyan Parag and R Ashwin in quick succession. At 80 for five in 12 overs, RR found themselves in a precarious position.
The introduction of Impact Player Shimron Hetmyer did little to change RR’s fortunes. Hetmyer and Rovman Powell struggled to counter SRH’s disciplined bowling attack. The only batter to withstand the pressure was Dhruv Jurel, who fought valiantly, reaching his fifty off 26 balls. Despite Jurel’s heroics, RR’s effort fell short.
The combined efforts of Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhishek Sharma, who together scalped five crucial wickets while conceding just 47 runs in their eight overs, ensured SRH’s victory.
As SRH sets their next challenge against KKR in the final, the stage is set for a gripping finale in Chennai. Sunrisers Hyderabad will take confidence from their formidable all-round performance as they aim to clinch the IPL 2024 title.