Wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen has had a stellar season for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2024 edition of the IPL, averaging 42.09 in 15 matches. In the recent Qualifier 2 match against Rajasthan Royals in Chennai, Klaasen played a crucial role in his team’s victory.
Klaasen’s 34-ball half-century helped Sunrisers post a total of 175-9, with Travis Head and Rahul Tripathi also contributing to a strong start. In response, Rajasthan Royals struggled to build momentum in their chase and fell short of the target by 36 runs. Shahbaz Ahmed was the standout bowler for Sunrisers, finishing with figures of 3-23.
Despite a late burst from Avesh Khan and Trent Boult taking key wickets for the Royals, Sunrisers were able to secure a place in the final. The Knight Riders will be their opponents in the final, set to take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
With the Knight Riders being two-time winners of the IPL and Sunrisers having won the title once before in 2016, the final promises to be an exciting clash. The absence of Jos Buttler, who had joined the England squad for the T20 series against Pakistan, was felt by the Royals in the match.