In a gripping contest that showcased the best of T20 cricket’s intense battles, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) sealed their place in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final by overpowering the Rajasthan Royals (RR) with a convincing 36-run victory in the Qualifier 2 clash held in Chennai. SRH dominated both with bat and ball, setting up a formidable final showdown against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Batting first, the SRH squad amassed a competitive total of 175 runs. Their innings relied heavily on aggressive shot-making, a hallmark of their IPL 2024 campaign. Even while losing some early wickets in the powerplay, SRH remained resolute in their approach. The RR bowling attack, led by the fiery Trent Boult, initially appeared to be on top when Boult’s sharp deliveries caused early disruptions. Abhishek Sharma showed promise briefly with a flourishing six and four, but Boult swiftly got the upper hand, dismissing Sharma in the very first over with a crafty delivery that led to a catch in the off-side.
Travis Head, tasked with stabilizing the innings, took time to settle, while Rahul Tripathi unleashed a spectacular array of shots. Tripathi was fearless, tackling each RR bowler with determination. Against R Ashwin, Tripathi drove the ball brilliantly, finding the boundary several times, though his innings also flirted with danger. Boult faced Tripathi’s wrath as well, conceding a six and four in subsequent overs. However, Tripathi’s brisk innings, which injected ample momentum into SRH’s score, was halted at 37 off just 15 balls, falling to Boult yet again.
Boult’s impressive spell continued as he sent SRH captain Aiden Markram back to the pavilion, caught by Yuzvendra Chahal at short third-man. By the end of the fifth over, SRH stood at 57 for three, facing the challenge of rebuilding. Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen took on the responsibility, cautiously setting the pace anew. Klaasen quickly made his mark, launching Chahal for a powerful six, signalling his intent.
As the innings unfolded, Klaasen anchored the SRH revitalization effort.
. Though Rajasthan bowlers like Avesh Khan made penetrating strikes, notably in the 14th over, where Avesh sent Nitish Reddy and Abdul Samad packing in rapid succession, Klaasen’s resolve helped the team reach a fighting total. Klaasen’s gritty performance saw him achieve his half-century in just 33 balls, ensuring SRH finished at 175 for nine. For RR, both Avesh Khan and Trent Boult shared the honors with three wickets each, with Sandeep Sharma also contributing with an economical spell.
In pursuit of 175, Rajasthan Royals began their chase with high hopes, owing to Yashaswi Jaiswal’s exciting start. Jaiswal’s early onslaught against SRH’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar, culminating with a commanding six, set a promising tone. Although Tom Kohler-Cadmore fell early to Pat Cummins, Jaiswal continued the charge, crafting exquisite boundaries and a six, propelling RR to a robust position of 51 for one by the end of the powerplay.
However, SRH’s tactical prowess shone through in the middle overs, courtesy of their spinners. Shahbaz Ahmed broke Rajasthan’s rhythm by claiming the vital wicket of Jaiswal for 42 in the eighth over. The momentum shifted dramatically with SRH dictating terms. Abhishek Sharma added to RR’s woes when he removed Sanju Samson, who was caught attempting a big shot.
In the middle stages, SRH’s spin duo tightened the screws. Shahbaz dealt a crucial blow with a double wicket over, dismissing both Riyan Parag and R Ashwin, strengthening SRH’s grip on the match. At 80 for five after 12 overs, RR were left struggling.
Despite the introduction of Shimron Hetmyer as an Impact Player, along with Rovman Powell, RR’s recovery was thwarted. Dhruv Jurel, however, displayed commendable tenacity, his valiant innings offering resistance as he reached his fifty in 26 balls. Yet, with wickets tumbling around him and the required run rate escalating, the task was insurmountable. SRH’s disciplined effort in the field, spearheaded by the likes of Shahbaz and Abhishek with five wickets between them, meant RR eventually succumbed, marking SRH’s entry into Sunday’s IPL grand finale in Chennai.