SunRisers Hyderabad rewrite IPL history as Ishan Kishan’s ton blasts Rajasthan Royals away

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) wasted no time delivering fireworks, as SunRisers Hyderabad defeated Rajasthan Royals by 44 runs in a thrilling second match of the season. In a contest that saw over 500 runs scored, the match reinforced how the modern T20 game continues to evolve into a high-scoring spectacle. SunRisers Hyderabad posted a massive total of 286/4, falling just one run short of equalling their own record for the highest IPL total, while Rajasthan Royals fought valiantly before ending at 242/6.

The game also entered the IPL record books for another reason—Jofra Archer‘s four-over spell conceded 76 runs, making it the most expensive bowling performance in tournament history. Despite the heavy margin of defeat, Rajasthan Royals showed resilience, with Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel producing an attacking middle-order partnership that kept the chase alive deep into the innings.

How Ishan Kishan’s Debut Hundred Changed the Game for SunRisers Hyderabad

SunRisers Hyderabad’s decision to bat first was made for them when Rajasthan Royals’ stand-in captain Riyan Parag won the toss and opted to bowl. It was a choice that backfired almost immediately. The opening duo of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head unleashed a devastating assault, racing to 94 runs within the Powerplay. While Sharma fell early, Head continued his brutal hitting, notching up a fifty in just 21 balls.

Ishan Kishan, playing his first IPL match for SunRisers Hyderabad after a high-profile move from Mumbai Indians, took full control of the innings. His calculated aggression and shot selection made him the fulcrum around which Hyderabad’s innings revolved. While Head, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Heinrich Klaasen all played their part in quick cameos, Kishan’s presence ensured the innings never lost momentum. He particularly targeted Archer, smashing him for three sixes in a single over, underscoring the English pacer’s struggles.

As he approached his hundred, Kishan accelerated further, completing his maiden IPL century for SRH in the final overs. In doing so, he became the first Indian batter to score a century for the franchise, a significant milestone given the team’s history of overseas dominance in the batting department. His innings drew comparisons to the likes of David Warner and Jonny Bairstow, who had previously been the mainstays of Hyderabad’s top order. By the end of their innings, SunRisers Hyderabad had compiled the second-highest total in IPL history, proving once again that they remain one of the most fearsome batting units in the league.

Rajasthan Royals’ Brave Chase Falls Short Despite Sanju Samson-Dhruv Jurel Blitz

Facing a daunting target, Rajasthan Royals had no option but to go on the attack from ball one. However, their chase got off to a disastrous start, losing three wickets within the first six overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Parag, and Nitish Rana all fell cheaply, putting their team in a precarious position at 50/3. The early wickets mirrored the struggles of teams in past high-scoring IPL chases, where early setbacks have often made even the most aggressive pursuits unsustainable.

Despite the tough situation, Rajasthan Royals found hope in the form of Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel. The duo counter-attacked aggressively, refusing to let SunRisers Hyderabad dictate the game. Jurel made an instant statement by smashing an overhead six off his first ball against Pat Cummins, while Samson played stylish drives and lofted strokes to bring up his half-century in just 26 balls. Their 111-run partnership off 59 deliveries temporarily shifted momentum, raising hopes of a historic chase.

However, SunRisers Hyderabad struck back at a crucial juncture. Harshal Patel dismissed Samson for 66 with a short ball, ending his fluent knock. Just two deliveries later, Adam Zampa, brought in as Hyderabad’s Impact Player, removed Jurel for 70, effectively ending Rajasthan’s chances. While Shimron Hetmyer and Shubham Dubey fought hard in the death overs, the required run rate had escalated beyond reach, leaving Rajasthan Royals 44 runs short of the target.

Why SunRisers Hyderabad’s Batting Lineup Overpowered Rajasthan Royals

SunRisers Hyderabad’s triumph was a masterclass in aggressive, fearless batting. Their ability to maintain a high run rate throughout the innings left Rajasthan Royals with little breathing space. The Powerplay set the tone, as Hyderabad racked up 94 runs—one of the highest Powerplay scores in IPL history. Travis Head’s dominance at the top was reminiscent of his performances in IPL 2024, where he had played a key role in similar high-scoring games.

In the middle overs, the team ensured there was no slowdown, with Kishan dictating the innings’ tempo. Hyderabad’s sustained aggression contrasted with Rajasthan’s slightly erratic approach, where they lost wickets at regular intervals, preventing them from building a match-winning partnership. This difference in consistency ultimately proved decisive.

The final overs saw Hyderabad unleash a brutal finishing assault, led by Kishan’s century. Archer’s expensive spell underscored Rajasthan’s struggles, exposing their lack of a reliable death bowler. Over the years, successful IPL teams have relied on strong finishers and death bowlers—something Hyderabad showcased with their batting firepower, while Rajasthan struggled in the bowling department.

What This Means for IPL 2025 and the Road Ahead

SunRisers Hyderabad’s emphatic victory reaffirms their status as one of the most dominant batting sides in IPL history. Their ability to post massive totals, even without relying on a single star player, makes them strong contenders for the title. Ishan Kishan’s century signals that he could be a vital cog in their lineup, potentially emulating the impact that David Warner once had for the franchise.

For Rajasthan Royals, the loss exposes key weaknesses, particularly in their bowling attack. While their batting remains formidable, their inability to contain Hyderabad’s batters highlights the urgent need for tactical adjustments. The failure of Jofra Archer to stem the run flow will be a major concern, and the team management may consider changes in their bowling lineup for the next game.

Rajasthan Royals will now head to Guwahati, where they will take on Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26. The match will be crucial in determining whether they can bounce back and rectify their bowling issues. Meanwhile, SunRisers Hyderabad will host Lucknow Super Giants the following day, aiming to build on their momentum and continue their explosive batting displays.

With IPL 2025 already delivering high-scoring thrillers, the season promises to be a record-breaking one, with teams continuing to push the boundaries of T20 cricket. SunRisers Hyderabad’s batting blitz and Rajasthan Royals’ spirited response have set the tone for an electrifying tournament, ensuring that fans are in for a rollercoaster ride of action-packed matches.