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The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium witnessed a batting masterclass today as the Sunrisers Hyderabad thrashed Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 25 runs in a high-scoring encounter.
Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision proved inspired as opener Travis Head went ballistic. Head struck boundaries at will, reaching his fifty in a mere 23 balls – the fastest in IPL 2024 so far. He continued his rampage, eventually falling for a career-best 97, leaving the RCB bowlers shell-shocked.
Hyderabad’s batting depth shone through, with Aiden Markram (78) and Heinrich Klaasen (54) adding crucial fifties. By the end of their innings, SRH had posted a daunting total of 287 runs.
Chasing a mammoth target, RCB needed a flying start. However, the SRH bowling attack, led by the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/25), stifled the home team’s momentum early on. Virat Kohli (32) and Rajat Patidar (47) fought valiantly, but wickets fell at regular intervals, derailing the chase.
Despite a late cameo from Dinesh Karthik (42*), RCB fell short, managing only 262 runs. This emphatic victory propels Hyderabad to the top of the IPL table, while RCB remain in a precarious position.
Head’s knock will be long remembered by cricket fans. His aggressive batting and innovative strokeplay were a treat to watch. This match served as a stark reminder that in the IPL, anything is possible!
