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In the high-stakes Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Qualifier 1 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, SRH faced a challenging start.
Opting to bat first turned disastrous for SRH as they lost their star openers, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, within the powerplay. Mitchell Starc’s fiery spell intensified the pressure, dismissing Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shahbaz Ahmed in the fifth over, reducing SRH to a precarious 39/4.
A steadying partnership
Despite the early setbacks, Heinrich Klaasen and Rahul Tripathi provided some stability to the innings with a crucial 62 runs partnership for the fourth wicket. Tripathi played a significant role, notching a 29-ball fifty, which helped SRH regain some footing. After Klaasen’s departure in the 11th over, Tripathi continued to anchor the SRH batting. His valiant effort saw him scoring 55 off 35 deliveries, showcasing resilience and determination.
Also WATCH: Mitchell Starc bowls an absolute ripper to knock Travis Head’s stumps over | KKR vs SRH
Rahul Tripathi’s unfortunate mix-up with Abdul Samad
The turning point came in the 14th over when a mix-up between Tripathi and Abdul Samad led to Tripathi’s unfortunate run-out. On the second ball of the over, Sunil Narine delivered a back-of-a-length delivery to Samad, who hit it towards backward point. Miscommunication ensued as Samad sprinted for a single while Tripathi, ball-watching, slowed down. Andre Russell capitalized on the confusion, picking up the ball and throwing it accurately to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Tripathi hesitated and decided against completing the run, resulting in his dismissal.
Tripathi was visibly dejected as he walked off the field, his head bowed in disappointment. He didn’t return to the pavilion but instead sat on the staircase leading to it, reflecting on the missed opportunity to convert his innings into a higher score.
KKR’s dominance
Starc’s relentless bowling spell, coupled with strong support from the rest of the KKR bowlers, ensured that SRH were bowled out for 159. Starc finished with impressive figures of 3/34 from his four overs, while Varun Chakravarthy contributed an economical spell of 2/26. Despite Tripathi’s valiant 55 and Klaasen’s supporting 32, SRH struggled to build momentum. Skipper Pat Cummins added a crucial 30 off 24 balls, ensuring SRH had a total to defend.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Abdul Samad is a real enigma for me in the SRH camp. He keeps getting chances but flops almost every time, except for 1-2 innings. To top it off, he forced a run and got Rahul Tripathi out.
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) May 21, 2024
Selfish Abdul Samad ran Tripathi out so that he could statpad. (Logic from Dhobi and Vadapav FC)
— 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭!𝟎𝐧_👑🚩 (@bholination) May 21, 2024
Abdul Samad poor call gets Rahul Tripathi next ball Sanvir Singh who comes as impact sub Sunil Narine picks him for golden duck. Kavya Maaran sad. Sunrises Hyderabad in backfoot. Kolkata Knight Riders in frontfoot here in Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahemdabad pic.twitter.com/rjQsip0RN7
— Cricspace (@cricspace69) May 21, 2024
WTF Is This Abdul Samad Doing 😑
— 𝐑𝐨𝐇𝐢𝐭𝐳𝟎𝐧𝐞⁴⁵ (@rohitzone_45) May 21, 2024
Imagine if Tripathi had taken it in a positive way and extend his support to Samad while leaving the ground..
Could have been a big difference..😢 pic.twitter.com/uFvrYEYRIV
— Thejaswini (మోదీ కుటుంబం)🚩 (@Himalayan_Bee) May 21, 2024
I can't see Tripathi like this man why Samad why
— Иidhi (@JFMdgaf) May 21, 2024
Rahul tripathi played so well but I don't know why I'm hesitating to praise him.
– That unnecessary runout is still roaming in my mind.
– He lacks game awareness so does Abdul Samad. .
– Only Rahul could create the difference and set a good target for KKR. But it's all over.
— Abhishek Roy (@AbhiroyTweets) May 21, 2024
Samad wasted tripathi. Got out in a useless manner himself
— Kaustubh (@DexterousRd) May 21, 2024
These dismissals are unpardonable. And no way should Tripathi have been the one to be dismissed there. Again, Samad should have sacrificed his wicket #KKRvSRH #IPL2024
— Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7) May 21, 2024
Samad and Tripathi both brainfade moments wtf
— v (@Taldini_) May 21, 2024
