Delhi, India: In a high-octane encounter that served as Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) final league match of IPL 2025, the Orange Army unleashed a batting masterclass against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). While the 300-run barrier remained elusive, SRH posted a colossal 278/3, driven by a sensational century from Heinrich Klaasen, to secure a resounding 110-run victory and end their season on a powerful note.
A Batting Blitzkrieg:
Opting to bat first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, SRH’s openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma wasted no time in asserting their dominance. The duo got off to a blistering start, putting together a rapid 92-run partnership in just under seven overs. Abhishek Sharma contributed a quickfire 32 off 16 balls before being dismissed by Sunil Narine.
Klaasen’s Carnage:
A Century for the Ages
The departure of Abhishek brought Heinrich Klaasen to the crease, and what followed was an exhibition of fearless hitting. Klaasen, promoted up the order to maintain the scoring momentum, exploded onto the scene. He reached his fifty in a mere 17 balls and continued his assault, eventually bringing up his century in just 37 deliveries. This breathtaking knock not only marked his fastest IPL hundred but also stands as the joint-third fastest century in IPL history.
Klaasen remained unbeaten on a staggering 105 runs off just 39 balls, an innings adorned with 7 fours and 9 towering sixes, played at an astounding strike rate of 269.23. His partnership with Travis Head (76 off 40 balls) and later with Ishan Kishan (29 off 20 balls) ensured SRH kept the scoreboard galloping at an unprecedented pace.
SRH’s Third-Highest Total
At one stage, with the sheer power-hitting on display, SRH appeared to be genuinely threatening the monumental 300-run mark. While they fell short, their final total of 278/3 in 20 overs is a testament to their aggressive approach and stands as the third-highest team total in IPL history. This remarkable score further solidified SRH’s reputation as a team capable of posting colossal totals, having already registered the highest (287/3 in IPL 2024) and second-highest (286/6 in IPL 2025) totals in the league’s history.
KKR’s Collapse: A Chase Derailed
Chasing a daunting 279 for victory, Kolkata Knight Riders’ innings never truly got going. Despite a promising start from Sunil Narine (31 off 16 balls), KKR lost wickets at regular intervals and struggled to cope with SRH’s disciplined bowling attack. The middle order failed to fire, and despite a late flourish from Manish Pandey (37) and Harshit Rana (34), the target proved far too steep. KKR was eventually bowled out for 168 in 18.4 overs, succumbing to a massive 110-run defeat โ their biggest defeat by runs in IPL history.
For SRH, the bowling unit complemented the batting heroics effectively. Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, and Harsh Dubey were the pick of the bowlers, each claiming three wickets. Their collective efforts ensured that KKR’s chase was systematically dismantled, leaving them with no hope of a comeback.
Ending on a High: SRH’s Season Conclusion
While this victory was not enough to secure a playoff spot for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who finished 6th in the points table with 6 wins and 7 losses, it provided a spectacular conclusion to their IPL 2025 campaign. The performance showcased their explosive batting prowess and hinted at a formidable force for future seasons. For Kolkata Knight Riders, the loss marked a disappointing end to their season, as they finished 8th with 5 wins and 7 losses.
