Travis Head can be forgiven for thinking 2024 feels forever ago. Back then, he set the IPL record for the highest score in a powerplay – 125 for 0 – alongside Abhishek Sharma. The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) openers ushered in a new era of big-hitting, unparalleled in IPL cricket at the top of the order. While that particular record still stands, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have their own opening pair knocking on the door of T20 history – the scarcely believable young ‘uns, 24-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
SRH know their top-order can still do the job: Travishek made their third 100-plus powerplay score in their previous match, against Punjab Kings. What will worry SRH is how their middle order then fell away, struggling to – at times, even being reluctant to – go for the big shots on a slow deck. They scored 120 for 2 in the first eight overs, then 99 for 4 in the next 12.
Their middle order is now going to face up against RR’s all-round bowling attack: if Jofra Archer doesn’t get you with his pace, then Purple Cap holder Ravi Bishnoi lies in wait with his spin. To compound matters, SRH’s own bowlers looked toothless in the face of a clinical Punjab Kings chase. They have been given three 200-plus totals to defend this season and have pulled it off only once.
RR are at the top of the points table, and SRH at No. 6, because of their contrasting fortunes below No. 3 in their line-ups. SRH will hope that home conditions brings the best out of them.
