SRH raised its IPL record total and established a new standard

When Sunrisers Hyderabad amassed 277 runs against Mumbai Indians on March 27 in IPL 2024, many opined it marked a pinnacle challenging to surpass for any competing team.

Little did they anticipate that within a mere three weeks, Sunrisers Hyderabad would themselves elevate the standard, setting a new benchmark by scoring 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, renowned as a bowlers’ graveyard, Travis Head’s impressive 102-run innings off 41 deliveries and Heinrich Klaasen’s contribution of 67 off 31 propelled them to the highest ever total in IPL history.

Head’s swift century off 39 balls marked the fourth quickest in the history of IPL. Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a valiant effort, reaching 262/7 in pursuit of their target, resulting in the highest aggregate run scored in a T20 match, totaling 549 runs.

Bolstered by a formidable batting lineup, Hyderabad had declared their intention to aggressively pursue victory from the outset, a strategy that has handsomely paid dividends.

Led by Head and Klaasen, SRH has emerged as the most formidable batting lineup of the tournament.

In their encounter with Mumbai, Head scored 62 off 24 balls, complemented by Abhishek Sharma’s 63 off 23 balls, Aiden Markram’s 42 off 28, and Klaasen’s 80 off 34.

During this latest match, Head shone brightly as he bludgeoned his way to 102 runs off 41 balls, including nine boundaries and eight sixes. Klaasen provided vital support with two fours and seven sixes.

Sharma (34 off 22), Markram (32 off 17 balls), and Abdul Samad (37 off 10 balls) entertained with brief yet impactful contributions, resulting in the highest score ever achieved in IPL history.

This remarkable performance secured their fourth victory in six outings, positioning them fourth in the standings based on net run rate.

At this trajectory, they are poised to lead the standings based on net run rate as the competition for the playoffs intensifies, presenting a formidable challenge to any opposition attempting to thwart such an explosive batting lineup.

Highest totals in IPL:

• 287/3 – SRH vs RCB, Bengaluru (2024)
• 277/3 – SRH vs MI, Hyderabad (2024)
• 272/7 – KKR vs DC, Vizag (2024)
• 263/5 – RCB vs PWI, Bengaluru (2013)
• 262/7 – RCB vs SRH, Bengaluru (2024)