SRH Deliver Batting Mayhem, Leave Rajasthan Royals Chasing Shadows
Who said T20 cricket can't get any more explosive? On a wild evening at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) launched their IPL 2025 campaign with enough firepower to light up the whole city. They hammered 286/6 in just 20 overs—one of the biggest totals ever seen in IPL history, barely missing their own record from last season. Fans were out of their seats, and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) bowlers looked dazed. This wasn't just a win for SRH—it was a statement that the new season will be all about relentless hitting and bold strategies.
It all started when the Royals won the toss and decided to put the Sunrisers in first. Usually, that's a smart, defensive move. This time, it backfired almost immediately. SRH's top order launched into fifth gear. Boundaries came thick and fast, with every batsman looking hungry to clear the ropes. But the real fireworks kicked off when Shimron Hetmyer strode out. The left-hander smashed 42 runs from just 23 balls, peppering the boundaries with one four and four huge sixes. He kept the pressure hot even after a couple of quick wickets, ensuring RR never got a chance to breathe in the field.
By the 20th over, the crowd realized they were witnessing something special. SRH were just a handful of runs away from breaking their own IPL record for the highest-ever total—set last season at the same venue. Though they fell just short, piling up 286/6, this was still their second-highest score in the league. RR's fielders were constantly retrieving balls from the stands, and their bowlers couldn't seem to catch a break amid the relentless smashes and smart running between wickets.
Rajasthan Royals Face Uphill Task Despite Valiant Chase
With such a huge score on the board, it was always going to be a steep climb for the Royals. They didn’t back down, though. Chasing 287, they kept pace with the required rate for much of the innings. Every time a wicket fell, the next batsman tried to hit big from the get-go. The runs flowed, and for a brief while, it looked like the Royals could break the back of the chase and threaten a record themselves. But as the pressure built and SRH’s bowlers found their groove, the wickets started tumbling.
Despite their best efforts, RR finished at 242 for 6. It was an impressive score in most situations, but not enough on a night where Hyderabad’s batters had turned it into a festival. The gap—44 runs—tells the story of just how far SRH were ahead in all departments. The packed stadium roared with every RR wicket, the home fans already dreaming of what this season could bring.
There’s just no denying it: SRH love playing at home against Rajasthan. This win gives them a staggering five victories in six home games versus the Royals. The confidence is unmistakable, and so is the trend for 2025—teams are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in T20, with scores that make older seasons look almost tame. Fans can expect plenty more high-octane cricket like this as teams continue rewriting playbooks and records. Clearly, SRH are ready for all comers this year.