The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad ended in a six-wicket victory for SRH. Unlike the previous match in Hyderabad, which set an IPL record, this game provided a greater challenge for the bowlers, resulting in a competitive match between the two teams.
Abhishek Sharma led an aggressive start for SRH as they chased a target of 166. His performance was reminiscent of his previous innings against Mumbai Indians (MI) last week. In just 12 balls, he scored 37 runs with three fours and four sixes, showcasing his skill and flair. One particular shot that stood out was his flick over mid-wicket that sailed for a six. However, his entertaining performance came to an end in the third over when he was caught by Ravindra Jadeja at point off Deepak Chahar’s delivery.
At the opposite side, Travis Head was fortunate in the beginning when he nicked one to the first slip but was dropped by Moeen Ali in the initial over. Head had a prime view as Abhishek mesmerized the audience in Hyderabad. The final delivery of the first over was hammered for a six. Following Abhishek’s departure, Head maintained a confident attitude while partnering with Aiden Markram to guide SRH to 78 for one by the conclusion of the Powerplay.
The run-chase of SRH was led by Makram, who reached his fifty in just 35 balls. Travis Head was eventually taken out for 31 while attempting a sweep in the 10th over. Despite this, the team remained in control of the required rate and did not feel any pressure. Shahbaz Ahmed came in at No. 4 and, alongside Markram, continued to rotate the strike. Markram’s innings came to an end at 50 when he attempted a reverse sweep off Moeen.
As SRH approached their target, CSK put up a tougher fight by having Moeen dismiss Shahbaz, who was caught out leg-before after attempting a reverse sweep and a review. Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Reddy maintained their composure and secured SRH’s victory with 11 balls remaining. Nitish ended the match with a six, sealing the deal for SRH. Their strategy of aggressive batting at the start paid off well, as it was evident later on that the pitch became more challenging to bat on as the ball aged.
In the morning, Pat Cummins was successful in winning the toss and elected to have CSK bat first. His choice was supported by his bowlers, who worked cohesively to contain the CSK batting lineup to a score of 165. Despite initial indications that CSK may surpass 180 runs, the last 10 overs saw disciplined bowling from SRH, preventing their opponents from setting a daunting total to chase.
In the beginning of the game, Rachin Ravindra was out for attempting to hit the ball over the infield. Ruturaj Gaikwad (26) showcased his elegant shots, but just as he was getting comfortable, Shahbaz managed to catch him in the deep. Ajinkya Rahane (35) displayed a consistent performance, which gave Shivam Dube the opportunity to enter the game and display his aggressive shots.
The southpaw displayed his exceptional ability to hit sixes while scoring 45 runs, smashing the ball over the boundary four times in an entertaining innings. This performance gave CSK the possibility of achieving a score beyond 180.
In the 14th over, Dube was caught at point by Cummins. Shortly after, Ajinkya Rahane fell victim to Jaydev Unadkat. By the end of the 15th over, CSK’s score stood at 127 for four.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers were successful in keeping the Chennai Super Kings batsmen under control in the last four overs. Despite their efforts, Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 31 runs off 23 balls played a crucial role in helping CSK reach a total of 160. SRH utilized slower deliveries effectively to limit CSK’s scoring in the final overs. The pacers were especially effective, with each one of them taking a wicket. Pat Cummins and Jaydev Unadkat both finished with identical figures of one for 29, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar also contributed with one wicket for 28 runs.