Qualifier 2: RR speedsters restrict SRH to 175 for 9

RR players celebrate the exit of SRH’s Rahul Tripathi. Pic/Getty Images

Sandeep Sharma, the master operator on tacky surfaces, made use of his skill-sets to optimum effect as Rajasthan Royals (RR) restricted Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to a decent yet manageable 175-9 in the second Qualifier here on Friday.

The Royals bowling could be segregated into three distinct parts despite Heinrich Klaasen's half-century (50, 34b) that had four maximums. Trent Boult (3-45) started the slide in the Powerplays, Sandeep choked the Orange Army batters in the middle overs while Avesh Khan 2.0 was as menacing at the death (3-27) as he has been throughout the tournament.

But it was the canny Sandeep (2-25 in 4 overs), who took pace off his deliveries as Sunrisers batters were literally ‘Short Third-Manned' with four batters failing to clear the fielder stationed at the edge of the 30-yard circle. At the time of going to press, RR were 66-2 in eight overs.

Earlier, Yuzvendra Chahal manning the slot took three catches, while Ravichandran Ashwin also got one at the same position. The problem that SRH batters, including the in-form Travis Head (34 off 28 balls), faced was the lack of pace in the surface that became a hindrance while using it for the traditional T20 ramp scoops. Abhishek Sharma (12) at the start became indiscreet when he played one shot too many off Boult and was holed out.

Brief scores
SRH 175-9 in 20 overs (H Klaasen 50, R Tripathi 37, T Head 34; A Khan 3-27, T Boult 3-45, S Sharma 2-25) v RR (scores incomplete)

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