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.

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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

The IPL Qualifier 2 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) is underway. Rajasthan Royals won the toss and elected to bowl first. The choice to field was strategic, considering the pitch conditions and the dew factor that could come into play in the second innings.

First Over Highlights

Abhishek showcased his intent with a mighty pull over deep midwicket for a six. He followed it up with a boundary down the ground, adding valuable runs to the scoreboard. But just as he seemed to settle, he got a top edge trying to swipe across the line and was caught at cover.

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Trent Boult’s First Breakthrough

In his element, Trent Boult struck early, removing Abhishek Sharma for 12 runs. The wicket, caught by Tom Kohler-Cadmore at backward point, was a significant early blow to SRH. Abhishek’s quick cameo included one four and one six.

Rahul Tripathi’s Explosive Batting

R Ashwin came into the attack and was met with aggressive batting from Rahul Tripathi. Tripathi punished Ashwin with consecutive boundaries and a massive six towards the fine leg fence, adding 16 runs off the over. SRH’s score read 45/1 after four overs.

Trent Boult Strikes Again

Just when SRH seemed to gain control, Trent Boult struck once more. He dismissed Rahul Tripathi, who Chahal caught at short third man. Tripathi’s 37-run knock was crucial, but Boult’s timely wicket shifted the balance.

Aiden Markram’s Short Stay

Aiden Markram, expected to stabilize the innings, briefly stayed at the crease. In a spectacular bowling display, Boult claimed his third wicket as Chahal caught Markram at short third. Markram managed only 1 run, leaving SRH in a precarious position.

End of the Powerplay

The powerplay ended with SRH at 65/3. It was an eventful phase featuring 8 fours, 3 sixes, and 3 wickets. Trent Boult’s exceptional bowling was the highlight, putting RR in a commanding position.

Trent Boult’s Impact

With his three crucial wickets, Trent Boult now holds the record for the most wickets in the powerplay in IPL 2024, with 12 scalps. His dominance has been a key factor for RR’s success this season.

Most wickets in the powerplay in IPL 2024
12 – Trent Boult*
10 – Bhuvneshwar Kumar
9 – Mitchell Starc
8 – Vaibhav Arora
8 – Khaleel Ahmed

Most Wickets in the first over of an IPL edition
8 – Trent Boult in 2020
7 – Trent Boult in 2024*
7 – Trent Boult in 2023
6 – Bhuvneshwar Kumar in 2016
6 – Trent Boult in 2022
6 – Mohammad Siraj in 2023

Most wickets in the Powerplay in the IPL
71 – Bhuvneshwar Kumar
62 – Trent Boult*
59 – Sandeep Sharma
58 – Deepak Chahar
58 – Umesh Yadav
57 – Ishant Sharma

Bowlers with 100-plus T20 wickets in the Powerplay
128 – David Willey
118 – Bhuvneshwar Kumar
101 – Trent Boult

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are set to clash in IPL 2024 Qualifier 2 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on May 24. This match is crucial as both teams aim for their second IPL title. SRH, led by Pat Cummins, comes off a heavy defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 1, while Sanju Samson’s RR triumphed over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator.

3 players to be in focus from RR

Trent Boult: RR’s Bowling Spearhead

Trent Boult has been a standout performer for RR this season, taking 13 wickets in 15 matches with an economy rate 8.06. His ability to strike early with the new ball makes him a formidable force.

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Boult’s career in the IPL is decorated with impressive figures, having taken 118 wickets. His spell of 4-0-16-1 in the Eliminator against RCB highlights his ability to keep runs in check while taking crucial wickets. In the recent Eliminator, Boult’s economical bowling laid the foundation for RR’s victory, and his consistency will be vital in the upcoming clash against SRH. If Boult can get early wickets in quick succession, he can significantly hinder SRH’s ability to post a competitive total. This would put RR in a strong position to qualify for the IPL final.

Yashasvi Jaiswal: The Aggressive Opener

Jaiswal’s strike rate is over 145 against SRH, indicating his aggressive style. This season, he has scored 393 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 152.32, including a century.

Jaiswal has been crucial for RR despite ups and downs, especially in providing a strong start. His 45 runs off 30 balls in the Eliminator were pivotal in setting the tone for the chase. Jaiswal’s partnerships at the top, especially with Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Sanju Samson, have been instrumental in building solid foundations for RR’s innings. If Yashasvi Jaiswal provides another steady start for RR in this must-win game against SRH, then RR can either post a big total on the board or chase down any target with confidence.

Riyan Parag: The Uncapped Hero

Riyan Parag has emerged as a vital player for RR, scoring 567 runs at an average of 56.70 and a strike rate of 151.60. His promotion to number four has paid off, making him the top run-scorer for RR this season.

Parag’s 36 off 26 balls in the Eliminator against RCB showcased his ability to handle pressure. His consistency and ability to finish games make him a key player. Parag’s presence in the middle order provides stability and firepower, which is crucial for RR’s success. His ability to score quickly and maintain partnerships will be vital against SRH.