Hans News Service Hyderabad

SunrisersHyderabad produced a brutal batting exhibition and a clinical bowling performance to thrash Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 55 runs after posting a mammoth 255/4. However, despite the heavy defeat, RCB still had reason to celebrate as they retained the top spot in the Indian Premier League points table with a superior net run rate, ensuring two opportunities to reach the final through the playoffs. Already assured of a playoff berth, SRH came out with fearless intent, looking to improve their net run rate and challenge for a top-two finish, but ended in 3rd spot. Their explosive batting lineup dismantled the RCB bowling attack from the outset, smashing 66 runs in the final five overs to finish with the third-highest total of the season. Travis Head ignited the innings with a rapid 26 off 16 balls before Rasikh Salam dismissed him with a pinpoint yorker. Abhishek Sharma then launched a sensational counterattack, hammering 56 off just 22 deliveries with four fours and five sixes as SRH raced to 97/2 inside nine overs.

The carnage continued through a destructive partnership between Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen. Klaasen blasted 51 off 24 balls while Kishan anchored the innings brilliantly with 79 off 46 deliveries. Nitish Kumar Reddy added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 29 from only 12 balls.

Brief scores:

SRH 255/4 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 56, Ishan Kishan 79, Heinrich Klaasen 51; Rasikh Salam Dar 2/52) beat RCB 200/4 in 20 overs (Venkatesh Iyer 44, Rajat Patidar 56, Krunal Pandya 41 not out; Eshan Malinga 2/33) by 55 runs.