In the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), only three teams remain, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) waiting for the winner of Qualifier 2 between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the title clash in Chennai on Sunday. The last encounter between SRH and RR in the tournament, on May 2, resulted in a one-run defeat for the Sanju Samson-led unit, derailing their campaign.
Looking certain for a top-two finish, RR kept slipping in the second half of the tournament and four consecutive defeats robbed them of two shots at reaching the final. The winless run finally ended when it mattered the most and RR got the better of high-flying Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
SRH on the other hand are fresh from an eight-wicket defeat in Qualifier 1 and they were completely outplayed by KKR in that fixture. They failed to get the explosive start, which has become the new normal for them, and were bundled out for 159 – a total which was gunned down by KKR in just 13.4 overs. It has been that kind of season for SRH. It has been that kind of season for SRH.
Except for the opening game, which they lost by just four runs, the other five defeats have been very heavy, and it’s quite normal because of the high-risk approach they have had in the tournament. It now remains to be seen whether they persist with it or keep a Plan B handy for the knockout fixture.
What: RR vs SRH, IPL 2024 Qualifier 2
Where: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
When: May 24, Thursday
Time: Toss at 19:00 hrs, Play starts at 19:30 hrs