Rahul Tripathis stellar performance for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) was abruptly halted by a miscalculation involving Abdul Samad during the IPL 2024 Qualifier 1 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the esteemed Narendra Modi Stadium on a crucial Tuesday. This error resulted in SunRisers score dwindling to 121/6 in the 13.2 overs.
SRH chose to bat first and were rocked early by Mitchell Starc, with both openers back in the hut within the second over. Tripathi shared a crucial partnership with Heinrich Klaasen to save the team from danger. Although the latter was dismissed following a 21-ball 32, Tripathi carried the team alone on his shoulders.
He had reached his fiftieth birthday and appeared to be in for a rough time. However, his time in the middle was cut short due to a misunderstanding. Abdul Samad, who looked excellent for 16, sliced one to the left of the backward point fielder and went for a single. Tripathi, on the other hand, was left to observe the ball.
Andre Russell made an outstanding attempt, diving to his left to save the ball. He quickly released the ball to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who just needed to remove the bails, leaving Rahul Tripathi stranded in the middle of the ground.
The batsman exhibited profound dejection as he retreated to the dugout eventually seeking solace perched on the stairs of the dressing room his demeanor overshadowed by gloom. Nonetheless amidst the despondency Tripathi unleashed a striking array of seven boundaries and a solitary six in his thunderous 35-ball 55-run innings.
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SRH’s slide continued as they were reduced to 126/9 in the 16th over. Mitchell Starc was the highlight of the bowlers, taking three wickets in his first period. With only two overs remaining, the onus is now on skipper Pat Cummins.
How has Rahul Tripathi fared in IPL 2024?
With an allstar batting ensemble at SRHs disposal Rahul Tripathi has been left craving for playtime in this years cashrich league. The previous KKR batsman has graced the field in a mere four matches this season amassing 104 runs with an average of 34.67 and a strike rate climbing over 135.