Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) took the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 by storm, crushing their opponents Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) with a record-breaking total of 287 runs for the loss of just 3 wickets. Pat Cummins-led team had scored 277 for 3 in its second match of the ongoing edition against Mumbai Indians at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, breaking the then record of 263 for 5, set by RCB against the now-defunct Pune Warriors India in 2013 in Bengaluru.
Shattering the IPL’s Highest Team Total
The Sunrisers’ astonishing performance surpassed their own previous record of the highest-ever team total in IPL history, which they had set just a few matches earlier against Mumbai Indians. This latest feat has cemented SRH’s reputation as a formidable batting unit, capable of overwhelming any bowling attack on their day.
Travis Head’s Destructive Hundred
At the heart of SRH’s record-breaking innings was the stunning performance of Australian all-rounder Travis Head, who smashed a scintillating unbeaten century. Head’s knock of 127 runs off just 59 balls, laced with 12 boundaries and 8 towering sixes, was the driving force behind Sunrisers’ mammoth total.
Batting Onslaught from the Top Order
The explosive start provided by SRH’s openers, Abhishek Sharma and Mayank Agarwal, laid the foundation for the team’s historic innings. The duo put on a 78-run partnership in just 6.2 overs, setting the tone for the onslaught that was to follow.
RCB’s Bowling Woes
The Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers found themselves at the receiving end of the Sunrisers’ batting masterclass, struggling to contain the relentless barrage of runs. Despite the efforts of their seasoned campaigners, the RCB attack was unable to find a way to slow down the Sunrisers’ juggernaut.
Highest Aggregate in a T20 Match
The IPL 2024 match between SRH and RCB not only saw the highest team total in the tournament’s history but also became the match with the highest aggregate runs in a T20 fixture. The combined total of 549 runs, with RCB scoring 262 for 7 in their chase, surpassed the previous record held by the match between SRH and Mumbai Indians earlier in the season.
Implications for the IPL Playoffs Race
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s record-breaking performance has sent a strong message to the rest of the IPL teams, firmly establishing them as one of the favorites to qualify for the playoffs. With their batting firepower on full display, SRH have cemented their position as a team to be reckoned with in the tournament.