In an exhilarating demonstration of cricket, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) not only entertained but also claimed significant spots in IPL’s record books during their recent high-scoring match against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 2024 season. The match, held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, became a historical event, featuring some of the most unforgettable performances and record-breaking moments in the league’s history.
From the onset, SRH’s openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma took control of the game, producing a stellar cricketing exhibition. The dynamic duo amassed a staggering 125 runs during the powerplay, setting a new record for the highest powerplay total in IPL history, surpassing the previous record of 105/0 held by Kolkata Knight Riders against RCB in 2017.
Travis Head, particular, was in a league of his own, scoring 84 off just 26 deliveries during the powerplay. This outstanding performance outdid David Warner’s highest score for SRH in the IPL, which was 62 runs in 23 balls made in 2019. Head’s knock included a formidable accomplishment of hitting a half-century in 16 balls, matching the speed record set by his teammate Abhishek Sharma earlier in the season.
The duo’s explosive batting didn’t just overwhelm DC; it sent ripples across the T20 format, marking the highest powerplay score recorded in T20 cricket overall. By the time they were through, SRH had sprinted to 100 runs in just five overs, the fastest team hundred in IPL history, outpacing the record earlier set by Chennai Super Kings who had reached the mark in six overs during a 2014 match against Punjab Kings.
Despite losing some wickets post the powerplay overs, SRH continued their aggressive play and eventually notched up a gigantic score of 266/7 in their allotted 20 overs. This high score is the fourth-highest total in the tournament’s history, with SRH also holding the record for the highest total of 287/3, achieved earlier in the season against RCB.
Among the other records broken, the match saw a total of 22 sixes hit by SRH, equalling the most sixes in an IPL innings, a record they share with themselves from another game this season against RCB. The scorers, Head and Sharma, made remarkable contributions throughout the series, placing them as top-run getters in the tournament to date.
SRH’s 2024 campaign has visibly been bolstered by these record-setting performances, tying them with Surrey for the most 250-plus scores in T20 cricket. With every match, new benchmarks are being set, not just challenging other teams but also setting a high bar of expectations for performances in T20 cricket around the world.
As the IPL progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly remain fixated on SunRisers Hyderabad, anticipative of what these record-breakers pull off next. Their next games are eagerly awaited by fans and critics alike, curious to see how much further they can push the envelope in this intensely competitive arena of cricket.