IPL Recap: SRH Batters' Magical Odyssey in IPL Playoff Arena

In the critical IPL 2024 Qualifier 1 showdown against the KKR at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Rahul Tripathi emerged as a beacon of resilience for the SRH

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are back in the IPL 2024 playoffs after a three-season gap, thanks to a vital league phase under new captain Pat Cummins. SRH finished with 17 points, securing eight wins, five losses, and one no-result. Cummins' leadership has revitalised the team, guiding them with strategic precision.

In Qualifier 1, SRH lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) but still had a chance to reach the final. The team needs to regroup and perform better in the next match, with Cummins leading a motivated squad aiming for the IPL 2024 final.

Look at four impactful knocks from Sunrisers Hyderabad players in the IPL playoffs over the years.

David Warner elegantly strokes the ball through the covers

David Warner's 93 runs in 2016

David Warner's remarkable performances during the IPL 2016 season were instrumental in carrying the SRH batting lineup in crucial games. This was especially evident in their Qualifier 2 clash against the Gujarat Lions. Chasing 163 to win, SRH found themselves in deep trouble, consistently losing wickets and needing help to gain momentum.

He smashed 11 boundaries and three sixes, finishing with an unbeaten 93 off just 58 balls at a strike rate of 160.34. At 117/6, he received crucial support from Bipul Sharma, and together, they stabilised the innings, ensuring no further wickets were lost. Warner's sensational knock was a masterclass in pressure batting, propelling SRH into the final with an incredible chase. 

David Warner's 69 runs, 2016

David Warner continues his stellar performance from the previous match against the Gujarat Lions, delivering another outstanding display against a formidable Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) side, cheered on by the passionate home crowd. Warner wasted no time, smashing 69 runs off just 38 balls, including eight boundaries and three massive sixes, setting the stage alight. While Ben Cutting's late fireworks of 39 runs off 15 balls also played a vital role in putting up a total of 208 and RCB only managed to put 200 on the board in SRH's victory, it was Warner who laid the foundation at the top of the order, reminiscent of his performances in IPL 2016.

Rahul Tripathi's 55 runs, 2024

In the critical IPL 2024 Qualifier 1 showdown against the KKR at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Rahul Tripathi emerged as a beacon of resilience for the SRH. With SRH struggling at 39/4, Tripathi's courageous half-century injected hope and momentum into their innings. Tripathi's rapid 35-ball 55 showcased his determination and batting prowess, featuring seven fours and one six. 

Despite early setbacks, his aggressive approach not only halted the fall of wickets but also lifted SRH to a more respectable total of 100, aided by a partnership with Heinrich Klaasen. Although an unfortunate run-out ended Tripathi's innings, his contribution revitalised SRH's hopes for a comeback. Despite SRH's eventual defeat, Tripathi's innings were a silver lining. Tripathi's fifty in the playoffs marked a significant milestone, making him only the third SRH batter to achieve this in the IPL playoffs. 

Kane Williamson jubilantly celebrates with teammate Jason Holder as Holder seals the victory against RCB with a winning run

Kane Williams’ 50 runs, 2020

Typically, in the high-scoring excitement of cricket, there are moments where patient play becomes paramount. The IPL 2020 eliminator match between SRH and RCB exemplified this. Chasing 132 on a difficult pitch, SRH found themselves at 55/3 in the ninth over, with RCB holding the advantage. But Kane Williamson, known for his calmness under pressure, turned the tide. Williamson's composed half-century off 44 balls anchored SRH's innings, forming a crucial partnership with Jason Holder. Their resilient 65-run stand shifted momentum, leading SRH to victory in the final over with a couple of balls to spare.