Rahul Tripathi delivered an exceptional show for SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their crucial Qualifier 2 match of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Friday May 24. The teams clashed at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai for this intense showdown.
SRHs innings got off to a shaky start as they lost their opening batsman Abhishek Sharma to Trent Boults impressive bowling on the final delivery of the first over. Nonetheless Rahul Tripathi ensured that the early wicket did not dampen SRHs momentum.
The elegant top-order batsman, who came in to bat at No. 3, took leadership of the run-scoring as Travis Head earned second place. RR’s decision to give Ravichandran Ashwin an over during the powerplay backfired, as Rahul Tripathi took the ground running and scored some key runs against the spinner.
Despite the fact that the Chepauk Stadium is Ashwin’s home ground, he struggled to make an impression in the powerplay, allowing 25 runs in just two overs. Tripathi, who appeared destined for a half-century, mistimed a ball and lost his wicket to Boult.
Rahul Tripathi attempted an uppish shot when Boult delivered a slower bouncer on the third delivery of the fifth over. However, due to the sluggish delivery, Tripathi was unable to pace the shot, and the ball dropped directly into Yuzvendra Chahal’s hands at short third.
Fans flocked to X to express their thoughts on Tripathi’s innings, which concluded at 37 (15). Robin Uthappa, for one, was happy with Tripathi’s knock and considered it a ‘decent cameo’, saying:
“Rahul Tripathi on fire????Smashing Boult and Ashwin for fun ????????,” wrote a fan.
“It doesn’t matter which bowlers you are, how big you are, everyone seems to be clueless in front of Rahul Tripathi. It’s really tough to show this kind of courage in knockouts when SRH lost the intent of merchant Abhishek Sharma early on,” wrote another fan.
“Rahul Tripathi played like a dream but unfortunately couldn’t make it big. Well Played,” chimed in another.
“Clutch blood @rahultripathi????,” said another.
Trent Boult strikes thrice in powerplay as SRH finish at 68/3
Trent Boult, RR’s pace spearhead, bowled brilliantly during the powerplay against SRH. Despite being hammered for large runs by the opposing hitters, he devised strategies to secure important breakthroughs for his team.
After removing Abhishek Sharma in the opening over, the New Zealander struck twice in the fifth over, dismissing a settled Rahul Tripathi and the dangerous Aiden Markram. While the former SRH batsman walked back after a memorable knock, the Proteas star was removed cheaply for 1(2).
Even after losing three wickets, SRH finished their powerplay with 68 runs on the board.
