In a stunning reversal, Hyderabad managed to clinch victory from what seemed like certain defeat, inflicting only the second loss of the season on the leading team, Rajasthan. Rajasthan appeared to have the match well in hand, but a late collapse, losing several quick wickets, unexpectedly shifted the momentum in favor of Hyderabad. Rajasthan’s inning got off to a rocky start with the early losses of heavy hitters Jos Buttler and captain Sanju Samson in the opening over, placing the team under immediate pressure.

Despite the initial setbacks, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag stepped up, adopting a bold counterattacking strategy that steadied their team. They showed considerable poise under pressure, bringing the score to a healthy 60/2 at the end of the Powerplay, setting a strong foundation for the remaining chase.

The pair continued to build on this momentum, crafting a commendable 134-run partnership and both securing well-earned half-centuries. However, their dismissals within three overs of each other initiated a dramatic batting collapse. Though they had set a significant platform, it wasn’t enough as Rajasthan faltered in the final stages, narrowly missing out on a win by a slim margin.

See Also: IPL 2024: Player Analysis: How did Harpreet Brar’s disciplined spell lead to CSK’s submission?

In-depth Analysis of SRH’s Death Overs Bowling

🏏 How did SRH's tactical death bowling secure a One-run thriller?#SRHvRR #BhuvneshwarKumar pic.twitter.com/rWsLrv7h2R

— Saiprasad Kagne (@KEVLAR2601) May 3, 2024

Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck a critical blow to Rajasthan’s chase early on, dismissing both Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson for ducks in the opening over. This double setback initially suggested that Rajasthan might crumble under the pressure. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag quickly steadied the ship, putting together a formidable 134-run partnership off just 78 balls, bringing stability and momentum back to their side. As long as Jaiswal and Parag were at the crease, Rajasthan appeared in control and on track for a win.

The dynamics of the match shifted dramatically after Parag’s dismissal in the 16th over, followed closely by Jaiswal’s departure in the 14th. Suddenly, Rajasthan found themselves needing 43 runs from the remaining 25 balls with six wickets in hand. This critical phase of the game marked a turning point, leaving the team to navigate a tricky finish without their key partnership at the helm.

Pat Cummins delivered a critical performance in the final stages of the game, conceding just 10 runs across his last two overs while crucially removing Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel. T. Natarajan also played a key role, dismissing Shimron Hetmyer with a low full toss, right after Hetmyer had hit him for a massive 106-meter six, adding to the tension of the match’s closing moments.

However, the standout performer was Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was instrumental both at the start and in the dramatic final over of the match. Having already set the tone by dismissing two of Rajasthan’s top three run-scorers in the first over, Bhuvneshwar returned to bowl the final over with only 13 runs to defend. He expertly executed yorker after yorker, but Rovman Powell managed to navigate them, squeezing out a boundary and a couple of twos.

Bhuvneshwar’s strategic bowling in these crucial moments played a pivotal role in the match’s outcome, highlighting his skill and composure under pressure. Rajasthan Royals needed just 2 runs to win on the last ball. But Rovman Powell was trapped lbw by a full toss, giving Sunrisers Hyderabad a thrilling 1-run victory. This was RR’s first loss while chasing in the ongoing IPL season.