Related Articles
The second qualifier of the IPL 2024 features Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) taking on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on May 24, starting at 7:30 PM IST. With a spot in the final on the line, both teams will be eager to put their best foot forward.
SRH’s Road to Qualifier 2
SRH, despite a heavy loss to KKR in Qualifier 1, have another chance to make it to the final thanks to their second-place finish in the league standings. The team’s journey through the tournament has been marked by high-scoring games and consistent performances. However, their Achilles’ heel has been their batting collapses in key moments, a trend they cannot afford in this crucial match.
RR’s Journey So Far
Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, come into this game with momentum after a convincing win against RCB in the Eliminator. Chasing a target of 172, they secured victory with 4 wickets in hand. The return to form of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a brisk 45, and the steady performance of their bowlers are positive signs for RR as they prepare for this knockout clash.
Key Match Details
- Venue: Chepauk Stadium, Chennai
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Date: May 24, 2024
Broadcast and Streaming Information
- TV Channels: Star Network (India), Sky Sports (UK), Fox Sports (Australia), Sky Sport NZ (New Zealand), SuperSport (South Africa), Willow TV (USA)
- Live Streaming: Jio Cinema (India), Yupp TV (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal), Willow, Foxtel Go, Kayo
Toss Prediction
Given the conditions in Chennai, teams have preferred chasing. Therefore, the captain winning the toss is likely to opt to bowl first.
Pitch Report
The Chepauk surface is known for being slow, offering grip and turn for spinners. A score of 180 is expected to be par on this pitch.
Weather Report
The weather is expected to be mostly clear, but there is a slight chance of rain within the next 48 hours. A reserve day is in place if the match is interrupted.
Team Previews
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Team News: SRH are likely to stick with the same lineup despite the loss to KKR. Sanvir Singh might retain his spot due to his batting depth, though Jaydev Unadkat is a potential change.
Key Players:
- Abhishek Sharma: With 470 runs at a strike rate of 207, Sharma’s form is crucial for SRH’s success.
- Travis Head: Despite recent failures, Head’s overall performance (533 runs) makes him a key player.
- Pat Cummins: The captain has led by example, contributing with both bat and ball (16 wickets).
- T Natarajan: His variations on a slow Chepauk surface will be vital.
Predicted Playing 11: Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, Rahul Tripathi, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Sanvir Singh, Pat Cummins (c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, T Natarajan/Travis Head
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Team News: RR are unlikely to make changes despite some players not being 100% fit. Given the importance of the game, they are expected to play through any minor issues.
Key Players:
- Sanju Samson: With 521 runs, the captain’s form will be crucial.
- Riyan Parag: His consistent performances have been a highlight, with 567 runs this season.
- Trent Boult: His early breakthroughs could be decisive on a pitch that suits his style.
- Yuzvendra Chahal: The conditions in Chennai could help him return to his best form.
Predicted Playing 11: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Rovman Powell, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal
Match Prediction
Given the conditions and the form of the key players, RR are favored to win. Their superior spin attack and the presence of in-form batsmen like Samson and Parag give them an edge in this crucial encounter. However, the game promises to be closely contested, with SRH’s batting prowess capable of turning the tide.
Prediction: Rajasthan Royals to win.
