IPL 2024 Qualifier 2: Shahbaz Ahmed Wants 'To Save Celebrations for Final' After Match-Winning Heroics for SRH

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Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) delivered a stellar performance to secure a 36-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2024 Qualifier 2 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Chennai on Friday, May 24. Shahbaz Ahmed, who was named Man of the Match, played a pivotal role in this victory, both with the bat and the ball.

Shahbaz Ahmed, initially called in as an Impact Player to stabilise SRH's innings, contributed a crucial 17 runs in a partnership with Heinrich Klaasen, helping SRH post a competitive total of 175 for 9. Also read: Most Runs in IPL 2024 | Most Wickets | Most Sixes | IPL 2024 Points Table

Reflecting on his batting experience, Shahbaz said, "When I was batting, I felt this wicket had something in it when Sandeep [Sharma] and Avesh [Khan] were bowling. I felt there'd be purchase later for the bowlers, and it turned out to be true."

It was Shahbaz's bowling that truly turned the tide for SRH. He exploited the pitch conditions to the fullest, taking 3 for 23. His spell included the crucial wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had been in explosive form, scoring 41 off just 19 balls Shahbaz's ability to break through RR's batting lineup during a critical phase of the game was instrumental.

"Captain and coach had mentioned that they'd use me according to the situation," Shahbaz explained. "My role is to contribute lower down the order, and today I got the chance to make an impact with both bat and ball. I am feeling proud to be Man of the Match in such a big game."

SRH's spin strategy came to the forefront with support from Abhishek Sharma and Aiden Markram, who also bowled effectively. SRH managed to stifle the RR batsmen, producing a 33-ball period without a single boundary and taking four crucial wickets. This tight bowling performance highlighted the depth and versatility of SRH's attack.

Heinrich Klaasen's composed 50 and timely acceleration of runs helped set a target that proved to be too much for RR. Klaasen's experience and ability to adapt to the slow pitch were key factors in SRH's batting effort. "We have one of the world's best batters as a finisher, and that played a big part in our win," Shahbaz noted.

As SRH looks forward to the final against Kolkata Knight Riders, Shahbaz emphasized the team's focus and discipline. "We'll save the celebrations for after the final," he remarked. "For now, it's about relaxation and preparing for the next challenge."