Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have booked their ticket to the IPL 2024 final after a nail-biting 36-run victory against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2 on Friday. This sets up a rematch of the tournament’s opening match, where they will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the championship clash.
Despite winning the toss and electing to bowl first on a seemingly batting-friendly Chennai pitch, Rajasthan Royals were unable to capitalize. SRH batsmen, particularly Abhishek Sharma (12), Rahul Tripathi (37), and Aiden Markram (1), faced an early onslaught from Rajasthan’s pace spearhead, Trent Boult, who picked up all three wickets within his first three overs.
However, a fighting fifty from South African wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen (50 off 34 balls) alongside crucial cameos from Shreevats Goswami (32) and Shehbaz Ahmed (28) helped SRH recover and post a competitive total of 175 for 9 wickets. Pat Cummins (5) and Jaydev Unadkat (5) chipped in with valuable late runs.
In reply, Rajasthan’s chase faltered from the beginning, mirroring their struggles in the Eliminator against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Openers Tom Kohler-Cadmore (10) and skipper Sanju Samson (10) were dismissed cheaply, leaving a mountain to climb for the middle order.
While Yashasvi Jaiswal (42) and late fireworks from Dhruv Jurel (42) provided some hope, Rajasthan’s batting woes continued. Key players like Ryan Parag (6), Shimron Hetmyer (4), and Ravichandran Ashwin (0) failed to contribute significantly, leaving Rajasthan stranded at 139 all out.
This win marks a remarkable turnaround for SRH, who bounced back after their loss to KKR in Qualifier 1. Captain Pat Cummins’ leadership and the fighting spirit of the Hyderabad batsmen were crucial in securing their place in the final.
Now, all eyes turn to the grand finale on Sunday, where SRH will aim to avenge their opening day defeat and lift the IPL 2024 trophy against a familiar foe in Kolkata Knight Riders.
