Hyderabad emerged victorious in the final of the Buchi Babu Tournament 2024, defeating Chhattisgarh in a one-sided contest at the NPR College ground. The Hyderabad team, led by Rahul Singh, put up a commendable all-round display, securing the title with a commanding 243-run victory.
Hyderabad’s Strong Start Leads to Victory
The final saw Hyderabad dominate from the start, setting a daunting target of 581 runs for Chhattisgarh. Hyderabad’s bowlers, backed by their strong first-innings lead, put the pressure on Chhattisgarh, ultimately restricting them to just 274 runs in their second innings. Hyderabad’s strategy of not giving Chhattisgarh any room to recover worked wonders, as the team failed to stage any meaningful comeback throughout the match.
With this comprehensive victory, Hyderabad lifted the prestigious Buchi Babu Trophy, adding yet another achievement to their cricketing resume.
Rohit Rayudu’s Match-Winning Performance
Rohit Rayudu was the standout performer for Hyderabad, playing a critical role in their triumph. In the first innings, he contributed a sensational 155 runs, hitting 8 fours and 8 sixes. His impressive knock propelled Hyderabad to 417 runs, providing them with a solid foundation early in the match.
Chhattisgarh, in reply, struggled and were bowled out for just 181 runs, giving Hyderabad a massive 236-run lead. Hyderabad then posted another strong total of 281 runs in the second innings, leaving Chhattisgarh with an imposing target of 581. Rayudu’s century in the first innings ensured that Hyderabad was always ahead in the game, while Chhattisgarh had no answers to Hyderabad’s dominance.
Chhattisgarh Falters Under Pressure
Chhattisgarh, unfortunately, could not deliver in either of their innings. After being bowled out for 181 in their first innings, their chances of lifting the trophy diminished. Despite a few players showing resistance, the team collapsed for 274 in their second innings, unable to chase the enormous target set by Hyderabad.
The Chhattisgarh team’s inability to handle pressure in the final was evident, and they will need to reassess their strategy for future tournaments.
Star Players Like Surya, Ishan Fail to Shine
The tournament saw participation from some of India’s rising cricket stars, including Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and Sarfaraz Khan. However, despite their presence, neither of their teams managed to make it to the final.
Suryakumar Yadav and Sarfaraz Khan were part of the Mumbai team, while Ishan Kishan captained Jharkhand. Although they had promising starts, injuries and other commitments hampered their progress in the tournament. Surya, who got injured during the opening game, could not make a significant impact, and Sarfaraz shifted his focus to the Duleep Trophy.
Despite the absence of big names in the final, Hyderabad’s team effort and Rohit Rayudu’s match-winning innings made the difference, allowing them to clinch the Buchi Babu Trophy with ease.
