Pat Cummins' Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) had the last laugh in a thrilling IPL 2024 clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday, May 2. The heart-numbing match went down to the wire and which was ultimately won by SRH by mere one run. Chasing a target of 202 runs, Rajasthan fell short, reaching only 200 for 7 wickets in their 20 overs. The hero for SRH was Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whose exceptional bowling, particularly in the final over, proved decisive.
RR needed 13 runs to win in the final over, with Bhuvneshwar bowling to the dangerous Rovman Powell. The first ball went for a single, putting Powell on strike. He then smartly took a quick double off the second ball. The tension escalated as Powell launched the third delivery over fine leg for a boundary, leaving them needing just 6 runs from the remaining 3 balls.
Powell took another double, leaving RR needing just two runs from the final ball. However, the experienced fast bowler had a different idea, delivering a full toss on leg stump for the last pitch. Powell missed the connection and was struck on the pads, resulting in an lbw decision from the umpire that devastated RR fans. Powell sought a review, but replays upheld the decision, showing the ball striking the leg stump, and RR ended their innings at 200/7.
In response to the dramatic victory, SRH CEO Kavya Maran was visibly overjoyed, seen leaping in wild celebration.
Watch Kavya Maran's celebration after SRH's thrilling win
SRH's thrilling win over RR, propelled them up the IPL 2024 points table. This win marked their sixth victory in ten matches played so far, and with a total of 12 points, they climbed to the fourth position.
SRH's batting was fueled by the young Indian talent, Nitish Reddy. The uncapped batsman remained unbeaten, smashing a crucial 76 runs off just 42 balls. His explosive knock included three boundaries and a whopping eight sixes. Valuable contributions from overseas players Travis Head (58 runs) and Heinrich Klaasen (42* runs) further bolstered the SRH score.
Rajasthan's chase
Chasing 202 runs, Rajasthan Royals faced a nightmare start. In the very first over, Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed both Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson for ducks, leaving them reeling. However, a crucial partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (67 runs) and Riyan Parag (77 runs) revived the Royals' hopes. Their 134-run stand for the third wicket put them back in contention. Despite the valiant effort from Jaiswal and Parag, SRH clawed their way back into the game after their dismissal. The bowling attack tightened their grip, and ultimately, Bhuvneshwar Kumar emerged as the hero with a nail-biting last-ball wicket.
Although heartbroken by the narrow defeat, Rajasthan Royals managed to hold onto their top spot in the points table. They remain undefeated with 10 matches played and 16 points accumulated.
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