In a captivating encounter in Match 50 of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) emerged victorious against league leaders Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a nail-biting finish at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on May 2nd.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Batting Display

SRH opted to bat first, but their opening duo of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head failed to provide a blazing start. However, Travis Head’s well-crafted 56 and contributions from Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Reddy propelled SRH to a challenging total of 201/3 in their allotted 20 overs.

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Anmolpreet Singh continued his dismal form in the tournament and was sent back to the pavilion on just a run-a-ball 5 runs. It was the swashbuckling 70-run partnership of Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Reddy that powered the hosts to a mammoth 201/3. Heinrich Klaasen’s 42* was paired with Nitish Reddy’s fiery 42-bal 76* runs.

Rajasthan Royals’ Chase

In response, RR faced early setbacks, with opener Jos Buttler departing for a golden duck. If that wasn’t enough for the hosts, the Indian pacer went on to take another scalp as skipper Sanju Samson got wrapped up in the same over itself. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag showcased resilience, forming a vital partnership to keep RR in the hunt. While Jaiswal made a brilliant 40-ball 67, Riyan Parag continued to bat on with the score at 135/3 in 13.3 overs.

Despite a valiant effort by RR’s batters, the match witnessed a dramatic climax as SRH successfully defended their total by just one run. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s exceptional bowling in the final over ensured SRH’s victory, leaving RR agonizingly close to the target. In the end, Rajasthan Royals suffered a shock blow as quick wickets and very late pressure from the hosts saw SunRisers clinch a 1-run win on the night. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s brilliant final over made sure that the hosts take the 2 points on the night.

Impact of Individual Performances

Notable performances included Nitish Reddy’s unbeaten 76 for SRH and Riyan Parag’s gritty 77 for RR. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s crucial wickets in the final over played a pivotal role in deciding the match’s outcome.

Highest partnership in a losing run chase in IPL
135 K Williamson – M Pandey SRH v RCB Bengaluru 2018
134 Y Jaiswal – R Parag RR v SRH Hyderabad 2024 *
126 Faf du Plessis – G Maxwell RCB v CSK Bengaluru 2023

— Rovman Powell wicket was Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s first outside the Powerplay this season

Narrowest margin of defeat for RR in IPL (by runs)
1 run vs DC Delhi 2012
1 run vs SRH Hyderabad 2024 *
4 runs vs MI Brabourne 2010
4 runs vs DC Delhi 2018
4 runs vs PK Wankhede 2021

Narrowest margin of win for SRH in IPL (by runs)
1 run vs RR Hyderabad 2024 *
2 runs vs PK Mullanpur 2024
3 runs vs MI Mumbai WS 2022
4 runs vs DC Dubai 2014
4 runs vs RPS Vizag 2016
4 runs vs RCB Abu Dhabi 2021

— First defeat in a run chase for RR this season.

SRH defending targets in IPL 2024
6 matches
5 wins
1 defeat