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Ishan Kishan’s Blazing Century Leads Sunrisers Hyderabad to a Commanding Win Over Rajasthan Royals
SRH Dominate IPL 2025 Opener with Record-Breaking Batting Performance
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) launched their IPL 2025 campaign in style with a resounding 44-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR). The match witnessed a breathtaking display of power-hitting, spearheaded by Ishan Kishan’s magnificent century, which guided SRH to an imposing total of 286/6. Despite a spirited chase, Rajasthan Royals fell short, finishing at 242/6.
Where Was the Match Decided?
Rajasthan Royals showed resilience in the chase, but the lack of sustained partnerships and regular loss of wickets halted their momentum. In contrast, SRH capitalized on every phase of their innings, executing a relentless batting onslaught from the outset. Unlike RR, who had to play catch-up, SRH’s aggressive yet structured approach provided them the upper hand throughout the game.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Innings: A Masterclass in Power-Hitting
Powerplay: SRH Set the Stage on Fire
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Phase Score: 94/1 (RR: 15.61, 4s/6s: 15/3)
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Key Contributors: Travis Head (67 off 31), Abhishek Sharma (24 off 11)
SRH, known for their explosive starts, continued their trend from the previous season. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma came out swinging, dismantling RR’s bowling attack. Abhishek’s cameo ended after he edged a delivery from Maheesh Theekshana to the point fielder, but Head and Kishan kept the momentum alive. Their relentless intent ensured SRH posted an astonishing 94 runs in the Powerplay.
Middle Overs: Kishan Takes Charge
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Phase Score: 104/2 (RR: 11.55, 4s/6s: 11/5)
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Key Contributions: Ishan Kishan (106* off 47), Nitish Reddy (30 off 15)
Travis Head reached his half-century in just 21 balls before perishing to Tushar Deshpande. However, Ishan Kishan seamlessly took over, playing the role of an enforcer. His aggressive batting saw him punish Jofra Archer, smashing three sixes in a single over. Kishan’s brutal hitting, coupled with Nitish Reddy’s quick cameo, took SRH to 208 by the 15th over.
Death Overs: Ishan Kishan’s Heroics Propel SRH to a Mammoth Total
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Phase Score: 78/3 (RR: 15.6, 4s/6s: 9/4)
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Historic Moment: Kishan’s century, Archer’s record-breaking 76 runs conceded
Ishan Kishan brought up his maiden IPL century in style, ensuring SRH finished just one run shy of their record-highest total of 287. Rajasthan’s bowling attack had no answers, with Jofra Archer conceding 76 runs in his four-over spell, marking the most expensive figures in IPL history. SRH’s score of 286/6 highlighted their dominance and showcased their title aspirations.
Rajasthan Royals’ Response: A Gallant but Insufficient Chase
Powerplay: Aggressive Start but Early Blows
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Phase Score: 77/3 (RR: 12.83, 4s/6s: 11/3)
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Key Contributors: Sanju Samson (66 off 34), Dhruv Jurel (70 off 41)
With a massive total to chase, RR had no option but to attack from the start. However, early wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag to Simarjeet Singh, followed by Nitish Rana’s dismissal off Mohammed Shami, dented their progress. Despite the setbacks, Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel counterattacked, with Jurel smashing 19 runs in a single over bowled by Pat Cummins.
Middle Overs: Samson and Jurel Raise Hopes Before Collapse
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Phase Score: 92/2 (RR: 10.22, 4s/6s: 4/8)
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Key Partnership: Samson & Jurel (111-run stand off 53 balls)
Just when it seemed RR was clawing back into the game, disaster struck. Both set batters, Samson and Jurel, fell in quick succession, with Samson top-edging a lofted shot to Harshal Patel and Jurel holing out in the deep. Their dismissals dealt a severe blow to RR’s chances, making the required rate even steeper.
Death Overs: Late Fightback Not Enough
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Phase Score: 73/1 (RR: 14.6, 4s/6s: 2/7)
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Key Contributors: Shimron Hetmyer (40* off 20), Shubham Dubey (35* off 18)
Despite losing momentum, RR’s middle order fought till the end. Shubham Dubey and Shimron Hetmyer put on an 80-run partnership, guiding RR past 200. However, by that point, the chase was out of reach. The Royals managed 242/6, ending with a respectable total but ultimately falling 44 runs short.
Match Summary
Sunrisers Hyderabad 286/6 (Ishan Kishan 106, Travis Head 67) defeated Rajasthan Royals 242/6 (Dhruv Jurel 70, Sanju Samson 66) by 44 runs.*
What’s Next?
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Rajasthan Royals will head to Guwahati to face Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26.
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Sunrisers Hyderabad will host Lucknow Super Giants on March 27.
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