When did SRH and RR last play each other in an IPL playoff match?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its high-octane clashes and nail-biting finishes, and the upcoming Qualifier 2 match between the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) promises to be another electrifying encounter. As these two powerhouses lock horns, it’s the perfect time to revisit their last playoff showdown – a thrilling 2013 IPL Eliminator that saw RR emerge victorious in a last-over thriller.
The 2013 IPL Eliminator: SRH vs RR
The stage was set for a captivating clash as SRH and RR squared off in the 2013 IPL Eliminator. Both teams were vying for a spot in the next round, with the winner set to take on the mighty Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Qualifier.
SRH Batting First
Winning the toss, the SunRisers elected to bat first, hoping to set a challenging total for their opponents. Opener Parthiv Patel was the first to depart, falling victim to RR’s Vikramjeet Malik in the very first over. Malik struck again in the third over, dismissing Hanuma Vihari, leaving SRH in a precarious position early on.
Dhawan and White’s Steady Partnership
Shikhar Dhawan and captain Cameron White then stitched together a crucial partnership for the third wicket, steadying the SRH innings. However, despite their time at the crease, the duo struggled to find the boundaries, keeping the run rate in check.
Middle-Order Contributions
The middle-order batters of SRH, including the likes of Biplab Samantray and Thisara Perera, chipped in with useful contributions, helping their team cross the 100-run mark. By the end of their allotted 20 overs, SRH had posted a modest total of 132/7.
RR’s Shaky Start
In response, RR’s chase got off to a shaky start as well. Captain Rahul Dravid was dismissed cheaply, falling for just 12 runs off 10 balls. However, the experienced Shane Watson and the in-form Ajinkya Rahane soon steadied the ship for the Royals.
Middle-Order Collapse
Just as RR seemed to be gaining momentum, they faced a mini-collapse in the middle overs, thanks to some brilliant bowling from the SRH bowlers. The match was evenly poised, and it was anyone’s game at this stage.
Hodge’s Match-Winning Knock
But then came the decisive moment – the arrival of Brad Hodge at the crease. The Australian veteran played a sensational knock, smashing an unbeaten 54 off just 29 balls, including two crucial sixes in the final over to seal the victory for RR with four balls to spare.
The Inaugural Champions Prevail
With Hodge’s heroics, the inaugural IPL champions, Rajasthan Royals, clinched a thrilling four-wicket win over SunRisers Hyderabad, booking their place in the next round of the tournament.
The 2024 Rematch
Fast forward to the present day, and these two teams are set to renew their rivalry in the 2024 IPL Qualifier 2. SRH, who lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous round, will be looking to avenge their 2013 defeat and secure a spot in the grand finale. RR, on the other hand, will be aiming to replicate their past success and make it to the summit clash.
The Stakes are High
The stakes couldn’t be higher as these two teams lock horns once again in a high-stakes playoff match. With a place in the IPL final on the line, both SRH and RR will be leaving no stone unturned to emerge victorious and keep their championship dreams alive.
Fans Eagerly Await the Clash
Cricket enthusiasts across the globe are eagerly awaiting this thrilling encounter, as the memories of the 2013 Eliminator clash continue to captivate the minds of IPL fans. The stage is set for another epic battle between these two cricketing giants, and the outcome is sure to be a nail-biter.
Conclusion
The 2013 IPL Eliminator between SRH and RR was a true classic, with the Rajasthan Royals emerging victorious in a last-over thriller. As these two teams gear up to face off in the 2024 IPL Qualifier 2, the stage is set for another enthralling clash. Fans can expect a high-intensity, edge-of-the-seat encounter, with both teams determined to book their place in the grand finale.
