Up until the 19th over of the chase, Rajasthan Royals had managed to keep the required run rate within reach in their pursuit of 202 runs, with the highest asking rate reaching 10.88 at the conclusion of the first over. Despite this, Sunrisers Hyderabad clinched victory by a mere one run. Pat Cummins delivered an exceptional 19th over, followed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar successfully defending 12 runs in the final over, despite facing the challenge of one fewer boundary rider due to the over-rate penalty.
Even on the last ball, Rajasthan Royals remained the favorites, needing just two runs to win, but Rovman Powell missed a calf-high full toss and was dismissed lbw. Bhuvneshwar set the tone for Hyderabad’s defense by removing Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson in the opening over. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag made the chase appear effortless with their half-centuries. When Jaiswal was dismissed, Rajasthan required 67 runs off 39 balls; after Parag’s departure, they needed 43 runs off 25 balls. Shimron Hetmyer and Powell seemed to be guiding Rajasthan to victory until two crucial hits found fielders, allowing Cummins to turn the tide.
This match marked Sunrisers Hyderabad’s fifth instance of scoring 200 or more runs in this IPL season. However, they opted for a more circuitous path to reach their total after choosing to bat first. This decision appeared to be influenced by their ordinary record in chasing targets rather than the prevailing conditions. Initially, they had to contend with a sluggish pitch, which improved as the evening progressed. Despite their slow start, Hyderabad managed to score 153 runs in the final 12 overs of their innings. Throughout Rajasthan’s chase, it seemed that Hyderabad’s slow start had jeopardized their chances of victory for the first 18 overs, but they ultimately secured the win, placing them among the top four teams on the points table.
RR made a strategic move by deploying two left-handed batters as openers, which proved to be an advantageous match-up. Trent Boult, known for his proficiency with the new ball, was complemented by the addition of R Ashwin to the bowling attack. Although Boult missed a wicket on the first ball due to a drop by Riyan Parag at backward point, the duo managed to bowl four economical overs, conceding just 25 runs. In contrast to Chennai Super Kings’ tactic of employing a sweeper on the off side during the powerplay, Boult opted for a different approach by placing two fielders deep on the leg side, restricting the openers’ scoring opportunities. Ashwin, despite generating considerable movement and consistently beating the bat, remained unfortunate not to claim a wicket.
Avesh Khan and Sandeep Sharma capitalized on the pressure built by the opening bowlers, each taking a wicket with their first delivery. This resulted in Sunrisers Hyderabad recording their slowest powerplay of the season, accumulating only 37 runs.
