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The much-awaited Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 commenced with a high-stakes clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Friday. The contest, held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, saw RR captain Sanju Samson winning the toss and opting to field first.
Trent Boult’s early setback
RR’s decision to bowl first seemed promising as their ace pacer, Trent Boult, stepped up for the opening over. Known for his early breakthroughs, Boult faced a formidable challenge against SRH’s Abhishek Sharma. On the third delivery, Abhishek displayed his intent by smashing Boult’s short-pitched delivery over the deep mid-wicket for a massive six. Not stopping there, the left-handed batter drove the next ball straight past the bowler for a four, placing Boult under immediate pressure.
Boult’s brilliant comeback
Despite the aggressive start from Abhishek Sharma, Boult remained composed. On the final delivery of the same over, he delivered a back-of-a-length ball on off-stump with some extra bounce. Abhishek, attempting another aggressive shot, misjudged the bounce and ended up lobbing the ball to extra cover where Tom Kohler-Cadmore made a comfortable catch. Boult’s swift response was crucial in curbing SRH’s early momentum.
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Boult’s continued dominance
Boult’s exceptional form didn’t end with Abhishek’s wicket. In the third delivery of the fifth over, Boult struck again, this time removing the dangerous Rahul Tripathi. Tripathi, who was on a rampage with a quickfire 37 off 15 balls, fell to Boult’s precision. Just two balls later, Boult further dismantled SRH’s batting line-up by dismissing their star batter, Aiden Markram, for just one run.