Stunning IPL turnaround under Cummins complete after washout secures playoffs spot

AFP with Fox Cricket from Fox Sports

May 17th, 2024 8:04 am

Captain Pat Cummins has guided Sunrisers Hyderabad into the playoffs after rain forced their match against the Gujarat Titans to be abandoned without a ball bowled on Thursday.

The washout saw both teams taking a point each, which pushed Hyderabad to third in the table with 15 points.

It capped off a stunning improvement for the Sunrisers under Cummins’ captaincy, recovering from a last-place finish in 2023 to seal a playoff berth.

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Gujarat Titans' captain Shubman Gill (R) and his Sunrisers Hyderabad's counterpart Pat Cummins (2L) greet each other after the IPL match was abandoned due to rain. (Photo by NOAH SEELAM / AFP)Source: AFP

Gujarat had been knocked out of the playoff race earlier this week after their game against Kolkata Knight Riders was also abandoned due to rain.

The weather in Hyderabad on Thursday left thousands of fans disappointed at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium.

The game was finally called off more than two and a half hours after the scheduled start.

Defending champions Chennai Super Kings, who are fourth, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru lead the hunt for the remaining play-off spot.

Hyderabad can still finish in the top two if they beat Punjab Kings in the final game of the regular season, although it would also require the Rajasthan Royals losing to the Kolkata Knight Riders.