The game of cricket often hinges on crucial moments, and the Qualifier 2 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) exemplified this perfectly. At the heart of this pivotal encounter was Shahbaz Ahmed, whose remarkable performance turned the tide in SRH’s favor.

Ahmed’s Impactful Spell

As the match progressed, SRH found themselves in need of crucial breakthroughs to apply pressure on RR’s formidable batting lineup. It was then that Shahbaz Ahmed stepped up to the plate, delivering a spell that would alter the course of the game.

See Also: Jay Shah denies sending ‘coaching offer’ to any Australian for the Head Coach post

Key Wickets

In the 12th over of the match, Ahmed struck twice to dismantle RR’s batting order. His first victim in the game was Yashasvi Jaiswal, and then, in the 12th over, he first bagged Riyan Parag, who fell prey to Ahmed’s deceptive off-break delivery. Parag’s mistimed shot resulted in an easy catch for Abhishek Sharma, handing SRH a vital breakthrough. But Ahmed still needed to be finished. In the same over, he accounted for the dismissal of Ravichandran Ashwin, further denting RR’s hopes of a strong batting performance. But Ahmed still needed to be finished. In the same over, he accounted for the dismissal of Ravichandran Ashwin, further denting RR’s hopes of a strong batting performance.

Ahmed’s Contribution with the Bat

Not only did Ahmed shine with the ball, but he also made a valuable contribution with the bat earlier in the match. His partnership with Heinrich Klaasen helped SRH post a competitive total of 175 runs, showcasing his versatility as an impact player.

Cummins’ Insight

Reflecting on Ahmed’s performance, SRH captain Pat Cummins highlighted the strategic decision behind deploying him as an impact player. With insights from coach Dan Vettori, SRH capitalized on Ahmed’s left-arm orthodox bowling to gain an advantage over RR.

Pat Cummins, SRH’s winning captain: (on SRH’s turnaround from 2023) You’ve seen that in the way we played. The finals was the goal and we’ve made it. (Finding another way to win tonight) We knew our strength was batting but we wouldn’t underestimate the experience in the side like Nattu, Unadkat and Bhuvi. (Shahbaz as the Impact Sub choice) That was Vettori’s choice, he likes his left-arm spinners. (Using Sharma’s four overs) I felt there was a bit of a grip. (Total felt enough at the break?) Finals are always funny. These turn into tough chases. Needed early wickets and we got that. (Seeing how dew works in India) I won’t ever pretend to work out how it works. (Final) For the whole franchise, there are 60-70 of us who are involved, it is really gratifying. Hopefully one more.”

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Qualifier 2 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium was a gripping contest between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Despite Dhruv Jurel’s valiant effort, scoring an unbeaten 56 off 35 balls, RR fell short by 36 runs. This win propelled SRH, led by Pat Cummins, to the final, where they will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday.

RR won the toss and opted to bowl first, aiming to utilize the dew factor later in the match. SRH set a target of 176 runs, scoring 175/9 in their 20 overs. RR’s chase ended at 139/7, leaving them 36 runs short.

Dhruv Jurel’s Valiant Effort

Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 56 off 35 balls was the highlight of RR’s innings. His resilient performance kept RR’s hopes alive, but the lack of support from other batters proved costly. Jurel smashed seven fours and one six in a spirited knock.

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Jurel and Powell’s Partnership

Rovman Powell and Dhruv Jurel tried to rebuild the innings with a 32-run partnership. However, Powell’s dismissal in the 18th over left Jurel with too much to do.

T Natarajan dealt him the blow as he bowled a slower bouncer to Jurel, who went for an early pull, which cost him badly. He was in so much pain and no wonder he was down immediately. The RR physiotherapist checked him, and after a few minutes, Jurel stood up and kept playing until the end.

Fan Reactions

Jurel’s fighting spirit earned him praise on social media. Fans and cricket pundits lauded his resilience and determination.

RR’s Run Chase

Yashasvi Jaiswal gave RR a promising start, scoring 42 off 21 balls. However, the momentum shifted when Shahbaz Ahmed dismissed him. RR’s middle order crumbled under pressure. Shahbaz Ahmed’s three-wicket haul, including the crucial wickets of Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag, put RR in a precarious position.

IPL 2024 has witnessed thrilling cricketing action, with players showcasing their skills on the grand stage. As the tournament progresses, the race for the Orange and Purple Caps intensifies, highlighting individual brilliance amidst team efforts.

Orange Cap Standings in IPL 2024

Virat Kohli’s remarkable consistency with the bat has been the highlight of IPL 2024. Leading from the front for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kohli has silenced his critics with exceptional performances, accumulating a staggering 741 runs in 15 matches.

See Also: Pat Cummins reveals how Vettori’s decision helps in winning Qualifier 2

Despite Chennai Super Kings (CSK) exit from the playoffs, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been a revelation with the bat. Stepping into the captaincy role in place of MS Dhoni, Gaikwad has exhibited maturity beyond his years, amassing 583 runs in 14 matches.

Riyan Parag’s resurgence in IPL 2024 has been a delight for Rajasthan Royals (RR) fans. Finally living up to expectations, Parag has displayed maturity and composure under pressure, scoring 573 runs in 16 matches.

Travis Head’s aggressive style of play has made him a standout performer for his team. Head has consistently been among the most explosive batters in the league, accumulating 567 runs in 14 games.

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson demonstrated his batting prowess this season, amassing 531 runs in 16 games. However, in Qualifier 2 against SRH, he fell short, scoring only 10 runs.

IPL 2024: Orange Cap

IPL 2024 Purple Cap Standings

Harshal Patel has been phenomenal for Punjab Kings, becoming the first bowler to reach the 20-wicket mark this season. With 24 wickets in 14 matches, Patel has been a standout performer, especially in the death overs.

Jasprit Bumrah remains one of the most feared bowlers in the IPL. With 20 wickets in 13 matches, his performance against KKR was another reminder of his class and consistency.

Varun Chakravarthy’s unique bowling style has once again proven to be effective. Despite a shaky start, he now ranks among the top wicket-takers with 20 wickets in 14 matches.

T. Natarajan has been a consistent wicket-taker for SRH, with 19 wickets in 13 games. His ability to deliver at crucial moments has made him a valuable player for the team.

Avesh Khan claimed 3 wickets in Qualifier 2 against SRH, placing him fifth on the wicket-takers list with 19 wickets in 16 matches. Despite his impressive performance, his journey in the tournament ended following a decisive defeat by SRH.

IPL 2024: Purple Cap

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

With a target of 176 to chase, RR’s openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tom Kohler-Cadmore took the field. Bhuvneshwar Kumar opened the bowling for SRH, adding immediate pressure on the batters with his precision.

Early Setbacks for RR

The run chase began on a shaky note for RR. Shahbaz Ahmed, known for his economical bowling, struck thrice to derail their innings. Jaiswal, who looked dangerous with a quick 42, was the first to fall, miscuing a lofted shot to Abdul Samad. This was followed by the dismissals of Riyan Parag and R Ashwin, who were both sent back cheaply by Ahmed.

See Also: IPL 2024: Trent Boult and Avesh Khan restrict SRH from scoring big in Qualifier 2

Middle Order Collapse

Shahbaz Ahmed’s exceptional bowling left RR struggling to stabilize their innings. His spell of 4 overs, yielding 3 wickets for just 23 runs, was instrumental in putting RR on the back foot. The middle order could not build any significant partnerships, leading to a rapid decline in their run rate.

Key Moments in RR’s Innings

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive start gave RR hope, but his dismissal marked a turning point. The middle-order collapse, triggered by Ahmed’s triple strike, further compounded their problems. Despite efforts to rebuild, RR found it difficult to recover from the early blows.

Fielding Brilliance by SRH

SRH’s fielding was top-notch, with crucial catches and sharp ground fielding making a significant impact. Abdul Samad’s catch to dismiss Jaiswal and Klaasen’s effort to send Ashwin back were pivotal moments that tilted the game in SRH’s favor.

It is wonderful to witness the impact made by impact players, and that’s precisely what Shahbaz Ahmed achieved in the Qualifier 2.

Rajasthan Royals need 48 runs in 11 balls to win the match.

The IPL 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular, and with just two games remaining, the excitement is at an all-time high. In Qualifier 2, Rajasthan Royals faced off against Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial match at Chepauk, Chennai. Rajasthan Royals won the toss and elected to bowl first, aiming to leverage the dew factor that often comes into play in the second innings.

First Over Drama

The match started with a bang as Trent Boult, known for his prowess with the new ball, struck early. Abhishek Sharma, SRH’s opener, was dismissed in the first over itself, sending a jolt through the SRH camp. Boult’s ability to swing the ball both ways made it challenging for the batters to settle.

See Also: Pakistan announce squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Powerplay Performance

Despite the early loss, Rahul Tripathi came in with a positive intent. He played some scintillating shots and handled the pressure well. Tripathi’s aggressive approach paid off, as he scored a quick-fire 37 off just 14 deliveries, giving SRH a much-needed boost. However, Boult struck again, removing Tripathi and later Aiden Markram, putting SRH in a precarious position.

Middle Overs Drama

Heinrich Klaasen joined Travis Head at the crease, and together, they aimed to stabilize the innings. Their partnership was crucial as they kept the scoreboard ticking and built a platform for a competitive total. The first strategic timeout saw SRH at 81/3 after 7 overs, a position from which they could build.

Just as SRH seemed to be recovering, Sandeep Sharma delivered a crucial blow by dismissing Travis Head. This wicket triggered a middle-order collapse, with Avesh Khan making significant inroads. Nitish Reddy and Abdul Samad fell cheaply, leaving SRH struggling to maintain momentum.

Late Innings Fightback

Amidst the tumbling wickets, Heinrich Klaasen stood tall. His resilience was pivotal in pushing SRH towards a respectable total. Shahbaz Ahmed provided vital support, and their partnership ensured that SRH did not completely capitulate. Klaasen’s fifty was instrumental in SRH reaching a total of 175/9.

RR’s Bowling Highlights

Trent Boult was the star with the ball, claiming key wickets and maintaining pressure throughout his spell. Avesh Khan’s impact in the middle overs was equally significant, while Sandeep Sharma’s timely breakthroughs kept SRH from getting away. Apart from Boult (3/45) and Avesh Khan (3/27), Sandeep Sharma (2/25) also claimed two wickets.

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.

See Also: GCA clarifies main reason for RCB skipping practice, denies terror threat

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.

In the ever-exciting world of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket, the battle for supremacy isn’t just between teams but also among individual players. With every match, cricketers vie for the prestigious Orange Cap, awarded to the tournament’s top run-scorer, and the Purple Cap, given to the highest wicket-taker.

IPL 2024: Orange Cap List

Ruturaj Gaikwad has overtaken Virat Kohli to claim the Orange Cap in IPL 2024. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain showcased his batting prowess in a crucial match against Punjab Kings. Gaikwad’s composed innings of 62 runs from 48 balls helped CSK stabilize after a shaky start. With 509 runs in 10 games, including 4 fifties and a century, Gaikwad now leads the run-scoring charts.

See Also: ICC bans Devon Thomas for five years under Anti-Corruption Code

Despite Virat Kohli’s consistent performances, he finds himself in the second spot after Gaikwad’s stellar innings. Kohli, representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has amassed 500 runs in 10 matches, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 147.49. With four fifties and a century to his name, Kohli remains a formidable contender for the Orange Cap.

Emerging talent Sai Sudarshan from Gujarat Titans (GT) continues progressing in IPL 2024. With 418 runs in 10 games at a strike rate of 135.71, Sudarshan has been a revelation for his team. His two half-centuries contribute significantly to GT’s batting lineup, propelling him into the top ranks of the Orange Cap race.

Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag showcased his batting prowess with a stellar knock of 77 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. This innings propelled him to the fifth position in the Orange Cap tally, with 409 runs in the tournament. Parag’s consistency and ability to score crucial runs under pressure make him a vital asset for RR.

Despite his impressive performances, Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) skipper KL Rahul narrowly missed out on the Orange Cap race. Rahul has accumulated 406 runs in 10 games at a strike rate 142.95. With three half-centuries to his name, Rahul’s contributions have been pivotal for LSG’s campaign in IPL 2024.

IPL 2024: Most Runs

IPL 2024: Purple Cap List

Left-arm medium-pacer T. Natarajan has stood out for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024. With 15 wickets in just 8 matches, Natarajan’s ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs has been commendable. His impressive economy rate of 8.96 adds further value to his bowling performances.

Despite Mumbai Indians’ struggles, Jasprit Bumrah has been a shining light in their bowling department. Bumrah has scalped 14 wickets in 10 matches, showcasing his class and consistency. With an economy rate of 6.40, Bumrah continues to trouble batters with his varied bowling skills.

Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been a key figure in the Chennai Super Kings’ bowling lineup. Although he remained wicketless in the recent match against Punjab Kings, Rahman’s overall contribution cannot be understated. With 14 wickets in 9 matches, Rahman remains a vital cog in CSK’s bowling arsenal.

Punjab Kings’ Harshal Patel may have had a quiet outing in the last match, but his overall performance in IPL 2024 has been noteworthy. Patel has accounted for 14 wickets in 10 games, maintaining his consistency as one of PBKS’s leading wicket-takers.

Despite missing the recent match, Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana has been a revelation in IPL 2024 .athirana has bagged 13 wickets in just 6 matches, displaying his ability to trouble batters with his deceptive pace and swing.

IPL 2024: Most Wickets

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.

See Also: Young England cricketer, Josh Baker passes away at the age of 20

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