IPL 2024: SRH vs RCB match rewrites history as both teams amass 549 runs in 240 balls

A pleasant summer evening in the southern metropolis of Bengaluru, and the coin went up at 7 pm at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Five hours later, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins echoed the sentiments of bowlers across the world, when he said “I wish I was a batter”. It was a demoralising day to be a bowler, with 13 bowlers from each side, all grossing an economy rate in double digits!

On Monday, SRH clinched a masterfully crafted 25-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a thrilling clash. The two teams scored a whopping 287 and 262 runs respectively, to record an highest-ever total aggregate of 549 runs in a single match in the T20 history. The previous record of 523 was also set in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) match between SRH and Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 27.

Moreover, the SRH total of 287 was the highest in IPL, and second highest in T20 history. RCB’s 262 was also the highest second innings total ever in the history of IPL. With a total of 38 sixes in the match, they equalled another record for the highest sixes in a T20 match with that of SRH Vs MI.

Even before SRH and RCB took to the field, RCB fans secretly feared a massacre, given the abysmal performance of their bowling side in the championship so far this season. But the SRH batters brutally took the run-fest to unprecedented heights on Monday night, as they broke their own record of highest-ever team total in IPL set less than 20 days ago at their home ground (SRH Vs MI on March 27).

Travis Head's explosive century (102 runs off just 41 balls, including 9 fours and 8 sixes) and Heinrich Klaasen's blazing half-century (67 runs off 31 balls, with 2 fours and 7 sixes) propelled Sunrisers to a staggering 287 for three, eclipsing their own record of 277 against MI.

But what followed in the second innings was rather unexpected, comparable in scale to what MI also demonstrated three weeks ago — daunting targets no longer scare the chasing teams. RCB’s innings started off with a fiery opening partnership, led by Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, who raced to 50 runs in just 3.5 overs, surpassing SRH's own timing.

However, the game's momentum shifted with the introduction of leg-spinner Mayank Markande in the 7th over. Kohli's dismissal triggered a collapse, with RCB losing four wickets in quick succession, putting them under immense pressure. SRH skipper Pat Cummins led the bowling attack from the front on a challenging pitch with figures of 3/43.

While du Plessis and Kohli showcased glimpses of brilliance, their efforts were overshadowed by Sunrisers' determined bowling attack. However, a spirited partnership between Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror provided some late excitement for the spectators. The 38-year-old Karthik appeared determined to contest for a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad, as he ripped SRH bowlers apart to score 83 runs in just 35 deliveries with 5 fours and 7 sixes.

Eventually, Karthik’s efforts turned too late, as RCB folded for 262 runs with the loss of 7 wickets — 25 runs short of SRH total.

Earlier, Travis Head's unorthodox style proved highly effective, as he punished the RCB bowlers with ruthless efficiency. Despite Head's dismissal, Hyderabad's momentum remained intact, with Klaasen stepping up to the plate and launching a brutal assault on the opposition. Aiden Markram and Abdul Samad's late fireworks propelled Sunrisers to a record-breaking total, punctuated by an impressive 22 sixes — the highest in an IPL innings.

With this loss, RCB’s chances of advancing for playoffs have turned very bleak while SRH has secured fourth position in this season’s competitive points table. SRH will face Delhi Capitals on Saturday in their next, while RCB will lock horns with KKR on Sunday.