Match 66 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday (May 16) was washed out due to relentless rain. This washout secured SRH’s place in the IPL 2024 playoffs, making them the third team to qualify after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR).
SRH’s IPL 2024 playoffs journey
Before the match between SRH and GT, SRH were fourth in the IPL standings with 14 points from 12 matches. The washout added one point to their tally, bringing it to 15 points from 13 matches. In contrast, GT ended their campaign with 12 points, falling short of the playoff spots. This marks SRH’s first playoff appearance since the 2020 season, having previously finished 8th in 2021, 2022 and 10th in 2023.
Pat Cummins’ influence
Pat Cummins, the SRH captain, has been pivotal in their turnaround this season. Fresh off title victories in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 and the ODI World Cup 2023, Cummins has led SRH with a fearless brand of cricket. His leadership has been credited for revitalizing the team and steering them back into playoff contention.
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Match-day rain drama
The matchday was marked by a steady downpour that delayed the toss and eventually led to the match being abandoned without a ball being bowled. Despite the inclement weather, a large crowd gathered at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium to support the home team. The fans were treated to a light show and music, celebrating SRH’s progress to the playoffs.
Implications of the washout
The washout had significant implications for the IPL playoff race. SRH’s qualification almost ended the playoff hopes for Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Meanwhile, Cummins’ team will face Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 19 at home, with a chance to finish in the top two and secure a spot in Qualifier 1 against table-toppers Kolkata.
Upcoming virtual knockout
The playoff picture added extra spice to the upcoming clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Bengaluru on Saturday. This match is now effectively a virtual knockout, with both teams vying for a spot in the playoffs. The rain-induced changes have heightened the stakes, promising an exciting end to the league stage of IPL 2024.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Just hope there us no rain in Bengaluru on the 18th. That is some game in prospect!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 16, 2024
🚨 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍#SRHvGT has officially been called off. 😔#TATAIPL2024
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) May 16, 2024
SRH qualifies for IPL 2024 playoffs #cricket #SRH #IPL2024 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/yvHFWPA5qD
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) May 16, 2024
Rain ruins another game this week, but SRH are through to the playoffs!!
CSK looking to take that final spot on the weekend #IPL2024 #SRHvGT
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) May 16, 2024
SRH qualify for playoffs as a result of this abandoned game. #RCBvCSK a knockout game now, virtually. A rained out game will see CSK qualify for the playoffs #SRHvGT #IPL2024
— Vishesh Roy (@vroy38) May 16, 2024
#SRHvGT abandoned. #SRH qualifies for the playoffs after 4 years. Pat Cummins joined them and turned around their fortune. He’s a born winner!
— Prantik (@Pran__07) May 16, 2024
Sunrisers Hyderabad make it to playoffs for first time since 2020!!
2021, 2022, 2023 was the only time SRH couldn’t reach playoffs in 3 back-to-back years. Finished bottom of table in 2021 and 2023. Finally, some good days!#SRHvGT pic.twitter.com/HRn0gYsYUQ
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) May 16, 2024
GUJARAT VS HYDERABAD
Match abandoned due to rain.
SRH officially qualifies for the playoffs.
Becomes the 3rd team to get Qualification.
Congratulations Orange Army . 🎉🎉#SRHvGT pic.twitter.com/GO08e0Ee1M
— Uzma Naz (@UzmaNaa61412457) May 16, 2024
After two bad seasons, we are back in the playoffs. Happy about that. Let’s win the next game and reach the second position. #OrangeArmy #SRH #SRHvsGT #Sunrisers
— Raghava (@imraghava) May 16, 2024
SRH HAVE QUALIFIED FOR IPL 2024 PLAYOFFS. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/2agqomtbRW
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 16, 2024
SRH have qualified for the playoffs. Pat Cummins has already justified his 20 crore price tag. pic.twitter.com/m8YPtSnYIM
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) May 16, 2024
The bright side of a damp evening… 7th time SRH has made it to the playoffs🔥🔥 Since the inception of the franchise in 2013… NO other team has qualified for the playoffs MORE than SRH (CSK will have 8 if they qualify). 🔥🔥🔥 We don’t have the most trophies… agreed. But those… pic.twitter.com/zaCAwAoXuW
— Rahul Ravindran (@23_rahulr) May 16, 2024
We’re 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜-𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗗 up for the #IPL2024 playoffs! 🤩🔥#PlayWithFire pic.twitter.com/q5LScNRlCq
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) May 16, 2024
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