In an unforgettable match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) made one of the best comebacks in IPL history by chasing a huge target of 246 runs against Punjab Kings on Saturday.
Sunrisers: Abhishek Sharma’s Explosive Century Leads Hyderabad’s Record Chase
Leading the charge was young opener Abhishek Sharma, who smashed his first-ever IPL century, scoring an explosive 141 off just 63 balls. His innings was a blend of aggressive stroke play and impeccable timing, featuring a flurry of boundaries and sixes that left Punjab bowlers helpless.
Sharma, who has shown flashes of brilliance in previous seasons, finally delivered a complete performance when it mattered most. His knock laid the foundation for Hyderabad’s massive chase, earning him the Player of the Match honour.
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Australian powerhouse Travis Head gave strong support with a quickfire 67, complementing Sharma’s explosive style perfectly. Together, the duo stitched a 171-run partnership, dismantling the Punjab bowling attack and shifting momentum firmly in Hyderabad’s favor.
Their opening stand turned what seemed like an impossible chase into a realistic target, especially on a batting-friendly Hyderabad pitch. Their skipper Shreyas Iyer led from the front, hammering 82 runs to anchor the innings. His composed yet aggressive approach helped Punjab reach a daunting 245/6 in 20 overs.
The Punjab middle-order contributed well, but it was Iyer’s innings that truly gave them the edge. His leadership and form have been pivotal this season, even if it didn’t translate into a win this time.
Harshal Patel Bags Four Wickets in a Losing Cause
On a day dominated by batsmen, Harshal Patel emerged as a bright spot for Punjab with the ball. He picked up 4 wickets, trying to claw things back for his team. Despite his efforts, the SRH top-order proved too strong, neutralizing any momentum Punjab tried to build.
Harshal’s variations and slower deliveries briefly challenged Hyderabad’s rhythm, but the relentless attack from Sharma and Head ensured Punjab never truly regained control.
Sunrisers: Ishan Kishan Seals the Win with a Boundary
As the match reached its climax, SRH required just a few runs to secure the win.
The crowd erupted in celebration as the scoreboard confirmed a result that will be remembered for years to come.
IPL 2025 Sees New Heights in Run Chases and Power Hitting
This match is yet another example of how IPL 2025 continues to redefine T20 cricket.Hyderabad’s successful 246-run chase now ranks just below Rajasthan Royals’ 224 chase in 2020, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in T20 cricket.
Looking Ahead: What This Win Means for SRH and Punjab Kings
Their batting line-up looks in lethal form, and Abhishek Sharma’s rise adds a new dimension to their strategy.While their batting unit appears solid, defending massive totals will remain a challenge unless they find more consistency with the ball.
