“SunRisers Seal Playoff Berth as Rain Halts SRH vs GT Match”

In Short

• SunRisers became the third team to qualify for the playoffs
• SunRisers took their tally to 15 points in 13 matches
• Gujarat, who won the title in 2022, finished in the bottom four

The rain played spoilsport in Hyderabad as SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) secured their spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs without even having to step on the field for their penultimate league game against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Thursday.

With the match being abandoned due to rain at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, SunRisers became the third team, after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), to qualify for the playoffs this season.

This marks a significant turnaround for SunRisers, who had struggled in recent IPL seasons, finishing low in the rankings.

However, under the leadership of Pat Cummins, they have displayed a fearless brand of cricket in IPL 2024.

The rain-delayed toss and subsequent downpour prevented any play from happening, despite efforts from both teams’ captains to assess the conditions.

Despite the disappointment of the abandoned match, the SRH fans turned up in good numbers at the stadium, treated to a light show and music to celebrate their team’s playoff qualification.

With 15 points from 13 games, SRH still have a chance to finish in the top two if they win their last league game against Punjab Kings on May 19.

This sets up an exciting clash in Qualifier 1 against table-toppers KKR.

The abandoned match also dashed the playoffs hopes of Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, had a disappointing campaign, failing to find consistency despite flashes of brilliance.

For SunRisers, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma have been standout performers with the bat, while the bowling unit, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Pat Cummins, and T Natarajan, has also impressed, particularly in the death overs.

As they aim for a top-two finish, SunRisers will be keeping a close eye on Rajasthan Royals’ last league game against KKR.

A win for RR would see them finish second, otherwise, SRH will have the chance to claim that spot.