KATHMANDU: In a high-stakes Qualifier 2 match of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) clinched a 36-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Chennai, securing their place in the final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Opting to bat first after being invited by Rajasthan Royals, SRH posted a challenging total of 175 runs on a pitch that demanded cautious play initially but allowed aggressive batting later.

SRH’s innings was marked by a resilient performance despite early setbacks, showcasing their aggressive intent which has been a hallmark of their campaign this season.

Rajasthan’s Trent Boult struck early, removing Abhishek Sharma and later claiming the scalps of Rahul Tripathi and Aiden Markram, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 36.

Tripathi’s quick-fire 37 off 15 balls set a brisk pace for SRH, even as wickets tumbled around him.

Heinrich Klaasen then anchored the innings with a crucial half-century, scoring 53 off 35 balls, guiding SRH to a defendable total.

Contributions from Shahbaz Ahmed (18 runs) further bolstered the score, despite Rajasthan’s bowlers consistently chipping away at the lineup.

Avesh Khan and Sandeep Sharma also excelled, picking up three and two wickets respectively, and containing SRH towards the end.

Chasing 176, Rajasthan Royals started promisingly with Yashaswi Jaiswal’s aggressive knock of 42 off 21 balls, which included a flurry of boundaries against Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

However, SRH’s spinners turned the game around during the middle overs.

Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhishek Sharma spun a web around the RR batsmen, each claiming crucial wickets.

Shahbaz’s double strike in the 12th over, removing Riyan Parag and Ravichandran Ashwin, left Rajasthan struggling at 80 for 5.

Despite Dhruv Jurel’s valiant 50 off 26 balls, the Royals could not recover from the regular fall of wickets.

Pat Cummins, who had earlier dismissed Tom Kohler-Cadmore, maintained pressure alongside the spinners, ensuring no late resurgence from RR’s lower order.

Hetmyer and Powell were unable to counter the disciplined bowling attack, ultimately falling short.

SRH’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding effort restricted RR to 139, sealing a comprehensive win and a place in the final.

The spinners, Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhishek Sharma, were the standout performers, collectively taking five wickets for just 47 runs in their eight overs.

With this victory, SRH have set up a rematch against KKR in the IPL 2024 final, promising an exciting climax to the season.

The final will be held on Sunday in Chennai, where SRH will aim to continue their winning momentum and claim the coveted title.