Ishan Kishan's Blazing Century Powers Sunrisers Hyderabad to Victory Over Rajasthan Royals

Match Overview

Sunrisers Hyderabad put on a phenomenal batting display, setting a massive target of 286/6, marking the second-highest total in IPL history. Rajasthan Royals, despite showing glimpses of brilliance, could only manage 242/6, falling short of the target in what was a high-scoring thriller.

Both teams came into this match with strong line-ups and impressive form, but SRH’s batting firepower proved to be the decisive factor. Rajasthan Royals started off well but could not sustain the required run rate against a determined SRH bowling attack.

Ishan Kishan’s Explosive Innings: A Masterclass in Power Hitting

If there was ever a defining knock in this season’s IPL, it was Ishan Kishan’s blistering 106 off just 47 balls*. His innings was a mix of precision, aggression, and fearless cricket. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter reached his maiden IPL century in just 45 balls, showcasing his ability to take on any bowling attack.

Kishan’s innings featured nine fours and eight sixes, dismantling the Rajasthan Royals’ bowling lineup. His fearless approach was evident from the start as he took on Jofra Archer and Trent Boult, smashing boundaries all around the park.

One of the standout moments was his 85-run partnership with Travis Head, which laid the foundation for SRH’s gigantic total. Kishan’s ability to find gaps, rotate the strike, and capitalize on loose deliveries was instrumental in SRH’s dominance.

His performance not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also proved why he is considered one of the most promising young cricketers in India.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Batting Brilliance

While Ishan Kishan stole the show, other batters played significant roles in ensuring SRH’s massive total:

• Travis Head provided a solid start, scoring 61 off 38 balls, setting the tone for an aggressive innings.

• Aiden Markram chipped in with a quickfire 42 off 20 balls, keeping the momentum going.

• Abdul Samad finished off in style with an unbeaten 31 off 12 balls, showcasing his finishing prowess.

The batting approach was clear—attack from the very first ball. SRH’s aggressive intent helped them set a daunting target that put immense pressure on the Rajasthan Royals.

Rajasthan Royals’ Response: A Brave Yet Incomplete Chase

Rajasthan Royals had a steep mountain to climb, and despite their best efforts, they fell short. Their chase started on a positive note with Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal giving them a quick start.

• Jos Buttler scored 68 off 35 balls, showing his aggressive stroke play.

• Sanju Samson, the captain, played a valiant knock of 54 off 30 balls, attempting to anchor the chase.

• Dhruv Jurel added 47 off 25 balls, but by the time he found momentum, the match was slipping away from RR.

The turning point came when RR lost quick wickets in the middle overs. The mounting required run rate, coupled with disciplined bowling from SRH, made it difficult for RR to stay in the hunt.

Jofra Archer’s Nightmare Spell

It was a tough night for RR’s pace spearhead Jofra Archer, who registered the most expensive bowling figures in IPL history. He conceded 76 runs in 4 overs, struggling to contain SRH’s explosive batting lineup.

Despite trying different lengths and variations, Archer found no respite, as Ishan Kishan and Travis Head took full advantage. His performance highlighted the challenges bowlers face in T20 cricket, especially on flat batting tracks like Hyderabad.

Bowling Heroes for Sunrisers Hyderabad

While the match was a high-scoring affair, SRH’s bowlers stepped up when it mattered most:

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar led the bowling attack with an economical spell, picking up 2 wickets for 29 runs in his 4 overs.

• T Natarajan chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, dismissing Buttler and Samson at critical junctures.

• Pat Cummins maintained pressure in the death overs, ensuring RR never got too close to the target.

The SRH bowling unit executed their plans brilliantly, using slower deliveries and yorkers effectively to prevent RR from accelerating in the final overs.

Conclusion: A Statement Win for SRH

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 44-run victory over Rajasthan Royals was a testament to their batting depth, strategic bowling, and all-round performance.

Key Takeaways from the Match:

• Ishan Kishan’s Century: A match-winning knock that set the foundation for SRH’s massive total.

• SRH’s Aggressive Batting Approach: A fearless display that put RR under immense pressure.

• Rajasthan Royals’ Middle-Order Collapse: Despite a strong start, RR failed to capitalize in the crucial overs.

• Jofra Archer’s Struggles: A forgettable day for the pacer, conceding the most runs in IPL history.

• SRH Bowlers Holding Nerve: Effective bowling in the middle and death overs secured the win.

This victory gives SRH a significant boost in the tournament, while RR will need to regroup and strategize better for their upcoming matches.

With Ishan Kishan finding top form early in the season, SRH fans can expect more fireworks in the coming matches. One thing is certain—IPL 2025 has only just begun, and there’s plenty of action yet to unfold!