Sunrisers Hyderabad Clinches Victory Against Rajasthan Royals In IPL 2024 Qualifier 2

Chennai, May 24: In a dramatic Qualifier 2 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Rajasthan Royals faltered in their batting chase on a tricky slow pitch, losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 36 runs on Friday (May 24). This defeat ended their campaign in IPL 2024.

For Sunrisers Hyderabad, who were defending a target of 175, the unexpected spin duo of Abhishek Sharma and Shahbaz Ahmed emerged as key players. Their performance propelled SRH into their third IPL final, where they will face Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday (May 26).

Chasing 176, the Royals were restricted to 139 for 7, ensuring SRH's place in the final. The slow track at MA Chidambaram Stadium, offering significant turn and grip, proved challenging for the Rajasthan batters as the evening progressed with no dew to assist them.

Abhishek Sharma (2/24 in 4 overs) and Shahbaz Ahmed (3/23 in 4 overs) capitalized on these conditions, dismantling the Royals' lineup with a combined effort of 5 for 47 in 8 overs.

Their performance starkly contrasted with the Royals' celebrated spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin (0/43 in 4 overs) and Yuzvendra Chahal (0/34 in 4 overs), who conceded 77 runs without taking a wicket. This differential ultimately decided the game.

From a promising 65 for 1 in 7.4 overs, Rajasthan's innings crumbled to 79 for 5 by the end of the 12th over. Abhishek Sharma, who had bowled just three overs in the previous 15 games, suddenly became a match-winner, while Shahbaz Ahmed's deliveries gripped the surface, troubling the batsmen. Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Riyan Parag fell prey to the slow pitch, pressing the self-destruct button in a span of 15 minutes.

Who Was The Best Batter For RR vs SRH in Qualifier 2?

Dhruv Jurel (56* off 35 balls) tried to salvage the innings, but aside from Jaiswal's 42 off 21 balls, the rest failed to deliver. Samson once again faltered in a crucial match, continuing his streak of poor performances in playoff games.

Best Bowlers In the RR vs SRH Qualifier 2

Earlier, Sandeep Sharma utilized his skills to restrict SRH to 175 for 9, which seemed manageable. Trent Boult (3/45) made early inroads, Sandeep (2/25 in 4 overs) choked the middle overs, and Avesh Khan (3/27) was formidable at the death.

Best Batters for SRH in Qualifier 2

Despite a challenging pitch, Heinrich Klaasen's half-century (50 off 34 balls) provided stability. SRH struggled with the lack of pace, as evident from several batters falling to short third-man catches. Rahul Tripathi (37 off 15 balls) attacked Ashwin early, and Klaasen adapted well, hitting only the deliveries in his arc.

RR vs SRH: Game Changing Moment

Abhishek Sharma and Shahbaz Ahmed's introduction in the middle overs was pivotal, forcing Rajasthan's top and middle order into errors. Samson's dismissal attempting a big shot off Shahbaz was a turning point as SRH gained control of the game.

IPL 2024: Final Showdown

SRH will face Kolkata Knight Riders in the final set to be held at the same venue on Sunday. The slow pitch and spin-friendly conditions are expected to play a crucial role once again.