Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced a daunting challenge on Monday (April 15) as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) unleashed a batting onslaught at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. In a match that began with RCB captain Faf du Plessis winning the toss and opting to field first, the home team’s hopes of early breakthroughs were quickly dashed as SRH openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma got off to a blazing start.
The formidable duo piled on 108 runs in just 49 balls for the first wicket, setting the tone for a relentless batting display. While Abhishek Sharma contributed 34 runs before being dismissed by Reece Topley, Travis Head showcased his dominance by smashing his way to a scintillating century.
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Travis Head’s fifty came off a mere 20 balls, and he eventually reached the milestone in just 39 deliveries, amassing an impressive 102 runs, adorned with nine boundaries and eight towering sixes.
Even after Head’s departure, RCB’s miseries continued as Heinrich Klaasen stepped up to add further punishment, crafting a whirlwind half-century with 67 runs off 31 deliveries, including seven sixes.
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However, amidst SRH’s batting fireworks, a moment of frustration arose for RCB when Yash Dayal’s full toss resulted in what seemed like a crucial wicket of Aiden Markram, caught brilliantly by Reece Topley. Yet, the joy turned to dismay as the umpire signaled a no-ball, with Dayal having overstepped, granting Markram a second chance, which he capitalized on by adding an unbeaten 32 runs to his tally.
— Debi Jag (@DebiJag608) April 15, 2024
Ultimately, SRH set a formidable target of 287 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs, surpassing their own record for the highest score in IPL history, previously set at 277 against Mumbai Indians earlier in the season.
