Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a dominant 44-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR). Ishan Kishan’s blistering 106* off 47 balls on his franchise debut headlined a batting masterclass that saw SRH amass 286/6—just one run short of the all-time IPL record. Contributions from Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Reddy, and Abhishek Sharma bolstered their imposing total, setting the tone for the season.
SRH Threaten 300 as Kishan Shines
With Ishan Kishan added to an already explosive batting lineup, expectations were high for SRH to push the IPL’s first-ever 300-run total. They came tantalizingly close, falling just 14 runs short. Kishan seamlessly replaced Rahul Tripathi at No. 3, smashing his maiden IPL century at an astonishing strike rate. His innings took flight after a fiery 94-run powerplay—SRH’s fifth-highest ever—propelled by Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.
Explosive Opening Partnership
A flat Hyderabad pitch and RR’s inconsistent bowling provided the perfect stage for an early onslaught. After a cautious start, Abhishek Sharma took charge, dispatching Fazalhaq Farooqi for consecutive boundaries. Maheesh Theekshana, preferred over Wanindu Hasaranga, had an unfortunate start, conceding a no-ball and a wide before Head punished him with a flurry of boundaries.
The brutal hitting forced RR into deploying death-over tactics from the powerplay itself. Theekshana eventually dismissed Abhishek for 17 off 8 balls, but not before the duo had set the foundation for SRH’s explosive total.
Kishan’s Arrival in Hyderabad
Kishan wasted no time making an impact. Six of his first 13 balls went to or over the boundary, showcasing his fearless intent. Staying leg-side of the ball, he took apart RR’s attack with ease, treating Theekshana’s mystery spin and Jofra Archer’s pace with equal disdain. Archer, returning to the IPL, endured a nightmare spell, conceding 76 runs in four overs—the most expensive in IPL history. Head had already taken him apart in his first over, and Kishan continued the assault.
After Head’s dismissal for 67 off 31 balls, Kishan took charge, bringing up his fifty in 25 balls and then racing to his century off just 47 deliveries. He finished unbeaten on 106, walking off to a rousing reception from his new home crowd.
RR Fight Hard But Fall Short
Chasing a mammoth 287, RR’s innings got off to a shaky start as they lost Yashasvi Jaiswal, captain Riyan Parag, and Nitish Rana inside the first five overs. Simarjeet Singh’s aggressive bowling accounted for the first two wickets, while Mohammed Shami dismissed Rana for 11.
Sanju Samson, playing as RR’s Impact Player despite a finger injury, joined Dhruv Jurel in a counter-attacking stand of 111 off 59 balls. Samson showed no signs of discomfort, launching four sixes, while Jurel punished the seamers with clean hitting. However, SRH’s strategic middle-over bowling with spinners and captain Pat Cummins slowed RR’s charge.
Harshal Patel removed Samson in the 14th over with a clever slower bouncer, and Adam Zampa—SRH’s Impact Player—dismissed Jurel for 70 off 35 balls in the next over. Despite some late fireworks from Shimron Hetmyer, RR ultimately fell short, ending at 242/9 in their 20 overs.
SRH Make a Statement
With this comprehensive victory, SRH not only secured a valuable two points but also boosted their Net Run Rate, putting their rivals on notice. Kishan’s century, Head’s explosive start, and SRH’s balanced bowling attack make them a formidable force in IPL 2025. RR, despite a valiant chase, will need to regroup before their next match.
Match Summary:
- SRH: 286/6 (Ishan Kishan 106*, Travis Head 67, Jofra Archer 4-0-76-0)
- RR: 242/9 (Dhruv Jurel 70, Sanju Samson 55, Harshal Patel 3-40)
- Result: SRH won by 44 runs.
