Hyderabad: Sunrisers Hyderabad brightened their chances of entering the semi-finals of Indian Premier League (IPL) by beating Rajasthan Royals by 23 runs in a crucial tie at Rajiv Gandhi international stadium here yesterday.
Chasing a target of 137, Royals, who were playing their first match after the arrests of their three players in spot fixing scandal, could only score 113 for nine in 20 overs. With two crucial points, Sunrisers have taken their tally to 18 and moved up to fourth position on the points table.
If they win their last league match here against Kolkata Knight Riders, they will make it to the play-offs even if Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Chennai Super Kings in Bangalore today.
The Sunrisers’ win has eliminated the chances of Kings XI Punjab entering the semi-finals.
The home team’s bowlers bowled with discipline once again to defend a modest total. Amit Mishra, Karan Sharma, Dale Steyn and Thisara Perera bagged two wickets each.
Royals made a cautious start with Rahul Dravid and Ajinkya Rahane adding 39 runs for the first wicket before Dravid departed after he found himself short of the crease to a direct throw by his counterpart Cameron White in the eighth over.
Sunrisers had another breakthrough in the very next over when Rahane was held by Dhawan at deep cover while going for a big hit off Sharma.
Royals scored 30 off first five overs but the next five overs yielded only 14 runs with the loss of two wickets. Samson also departed in the 12th over.
IANS
