In a thrilling Qualifier 2 clash of the IPL 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) triumphed over Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 36 runs at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. This victory secured SRH a spot in the final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), promising an exciting conclusion to the season.

Match Overview

RR won the toss and chose to bowl first, aiming to exploit the dew factor later in the game. SRH put into bat and managed to post a competitive total of 175/9 in their 20 overs. In response, RR’s chase faltered, and they could only reach 139/7, falling short by 36 runs.

See Also: Pakistan announce squad for T20 World Cup 2024

SRH Innings

Trent Boult was instrumental in RR’s early success, picking up three wickets in the powerplay. Boult’s precision bowling saw him dismiss Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, and Aiden Markram, putting SRH on the back foot.

Despite the early setbacks, SRH’s middle order, led by Heinrich Klaasen and supported by Shahbaz Ahmed, stabilized the innings. Klaasen’s composed fifty was crucial, allowing SRH to recover and post a respectable total.

The deathovers saw a mix of aggression and caution from SRH. Avesh Khan’s brilliant spell included the key wickets of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Abdul Samad. Despite these dismissals, Klaasen’s powerful hitting helped SRH reach 175/9.

RR’s Run Chase

RR’s chase began with promise but quickly stumbled as Pat Cummins dismissed Tom Kohler-Cadmore early. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson built a brief partnership, but Jaiswal’s dismissal by Shahbaz Ahmed shifted the momentum back to SRH.

RR faced significant challenges in the powerplay, losing key wickets. Shahbaz Ahmed’s introduction into the attack proved decisive as he claimed the crucial wickets of Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag.

The middle overs saw RR struggling to build any momentum. Shahbaz Ahmed’s spell was devastating, leading to the quick dismissals of Riyan Parag and R Ashwin. RR’s middle order couldn’t withstand the pressure, leading to a collapse.

Despite efforts from Rovman Powell and Dhruv Jurel, RR couldn’t bridge the gap. Needing 42 runs in the final over, RR managed only 5, resulting in a comprehensive 36-run victory for SRH.

Player Performances

Standout Performers

• Shahbaz Ahmed: His three wickets were pivotal in dismantling RR’s batting lineup.
• Heinrich Klaasen: A crucial fifty that stabilized SRH’s innings.
• Trent Boult: Early breakthroughs that set the tone for RR’s bowling effort.

With this victory, SRH moves on to face KKR in the final. Both teams have shown remarkable form, and the final promises to be a thrilling contest. Fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown at the same venue, expecting high-octane action.

Six of the eight IPL playoff matches in Chennai have been won by the team batting first.

Most defeats in IPL playoffs
10 – RCB (16 matches)
9 – CSK (26 matches)
9 – DC (11 matches)
7 – MI (20 matches)
7 – SRH (16 matches)
6 – RR (11 matches)*

Most appearances in the IPL final
10 – CSK
6 – MI
4 – KKR
3 – RCB
3 – SRH*

Captains with the most wickets in an IPL season
19 – Shane Warne (RR, 2008)
17 – Pat Cummins (SRH, 2024)*
17 – Anil Kumble (RCB, 2010)
15 – Ravichandran Ashwin (PBKS, 2019)
14 – Shane Warne (RR, 2009)

Best bowling figures for SRH in IPL playoffs
3/19 – Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs KKR, Delhi, 2016
3/19 – Rashid Khan vs KKR, Kolkata, 2018
3/23 – Shahbaz Ahmed vs RR, Chennai, 2024*
3/25 – Jason Holder vs RCB, Abu Dhabi, 2020

Most wickets to spin in an innings in IPL 2024
7/75(13) – GT vs PBKS, Mullanpur
5/57(9) – SRH vs RR, Chennai
5/125(10) – DC vs SRH, Delhi
5/92(9) – RCB vs SRH, Hyderabad