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In a breathtaking display of power-hitting prowess, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) openers, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, etched their names into the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history during their encounter against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 2024 season. Their explosive partnership set a new benchmark for powerplay dominance, eclipsing all previous records.
Record-breaking powerplay in IPL history: Sunrisers Hyderabad’s historic feat
The dynamic duo left no stone unturned as they took the DC’s bowling attack to task right from the outset at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. In a display of sheer aggression and precision, they amassed a staggering 125 runs within the first six overs, a feat unparalleled in the history of the IPL. This remarkable achievement surpassed the previous record set by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2017 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where they scored 105 runs in the powerplay.
Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma’s explosive partnership
Abhishek’s blistering innings saw him smash 46 runs off just 11 balls, showcasing his ability to dispatch the ball to all parts of the ground with ease. Meanwhile, Head exhibited his class and ferocity by notching up the second-fastest fifty of the 2024 IPL season, achieving the milestone in a mere 16 deliveries, ultimately scoring 82 runs.
Surpassing T20 Record: Setting a new benchmark
The onslaught from Head and Abhishek was nothing short of spectacular, as they combined to hit a staggering 13 fours and 11 sixes within the first six overs. Their aggressive approach and calculated strokeplay propelled SRH to what stands as the greatest powerplay score in T20 cricket history. They broke the record held by Nottinghamshire with 106/0 against Durham in 2017 at Trent Bridge.
Also READ: IPL 2024: Here’s why DC pacer Ishant Sharma not playing today’s match against SRH
Top 5 biggest powerplay scores in IPL T20 history:
1. SRH – 125/0 vs DC in 2024 at Delhi:
- SRH openers, Head and Abhishek, made history with their power-hitting display against DC in the 2024 IPL season.
- They amassed a staggering 125 runs in the powerplay, surpassing the previous IPL record of 105 runs set by KKR in 2017.
- Abhishek’s explosive innings saw him score 40 runs off just 10 balls, while Head achieved the second-fastest fifty of the season in 16 deliveries.
- The duo combined to hit an astonishing 13 fours and 11 sixes within the first six overs, showcasing their aggressive batting style.
2. KKR – 105/0 vs RCB in 2017 at Bengaluru:
- KKR faced RCB in Bengaluru during the 2017 IPL season.
- KKR scored an impressive 105 runs without losing any wickets in the powerplay overs.
- Both Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine smashes remarkable half centuries.
- This dominant start laid the foundation for a formidable chase against RCB and ultimately contributed to KKR’s victory in the match.
3. CSK – 100/2 vs PBKS in 2014 at Mumbai:
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK) played against Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) in Mumbai during the 2014 IPL season.
- CSK managed to score 100 runs for the loss of 2 wickets during the powerplay phase.
- Suresh Raina in the excellent batting display scored 87 in just 25 balls.
- Despite losing a couple of wickets, CSK maintained a brisk run rate, setting themselves up for a competitive total. Although they ultimately lost the Qualifier 2 games against PBKS.
4. CSK – 90/0 vs MI in 2015 at Mumbai:
- Another notable powerplay score by CSK, this time against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Mumbai during the 2015 IPL season.
- CSK amassed 90 runs without losing any wickets in the powerplay overs.
- Dwayne Smith top scored for his team with a 62 runs knock that came in just 30 balls while Brendon McCullum scored 46 in 20 balls.
- This strong start provided CSK with momentum and put pressure on the MI bowlers early in the innings.
5. KKR – 88/1 vs DC in 2024 at Visakhapatnam:
- In the IPL 2024 season, KKR faced DC in Visakhapatnam.
- KKR scored 88 runs for the loss of one wicket in the powerplay phase.
- Narine and Phil Salt took on DC bowlers with Narine scoring 85 runs overall in 39 balls
- Despite losing a wicket, KKR maintained an impressive scoring rate, setting a solid platform for their innings.
