Brief Scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad (216/6 in 20 overs) beat Rajasthan Royals (159/10 in 19 overs) by 57 runs in Hyderabad on Monday. MAIN | SCORECARD
Sunrisers Hyderabad finally found the spark they were looking for in IPL 2026 and underwent a bold shift in approach. Moving away from established names and accompanying youth, Hyderabad’s gamble paid off in emphatic fashion as they defeated Rajasthan Royals by 57 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal on Monday, April 13.
For a team that struggled to find a rhythm at the start of the season, the performance was like a reset. The biggest fear coming into the competition was SRH’s bowling. The experienced duo of Jaydev Unadkat and Harshal Patel failed to make a consistent impact, leading the management to turn to the uncapped options of Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain.
It was a game-defining call.
CURTAIN IGNITES SRH OVERVOLTAGE
The tone was set in the first one above the other. IPL debutant Praful Hinge produced a spell that immediately tilted the contest in Hyderabad’s favour.
Rajasthan never recovered from the early damage. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi learned that with great power comes great responsibility, but he forgot that in the night and paid the price. The first goal opened the door and Hinge walked right through it.
Dhruv Jurel was dismissed soon after, followed by Lhuan dre Pretorius as Hinge tore through the top order in his very first over. Rajasthan were left stunned at 1-3, with no time to equalise.
Hinge’s impact didn’t end there. He later returned to dismiss skipper Riyan Parag, who was caught in the deep after being pulled into a free shot, and finished with figures of 4 for 34. It was a performance built on discipline, clarity and composure rather than flair that instantly vindicated SRH’s decision to put faith in youth.
SAKIB HUSSAIN DID THE DEAL
If Hinge broke the backbone of the innings, Sakib Hussain made sure there was no recovery.
He struck early to remove Yashasvi Jaiswal and then came back at crucial moments to keep Rajasthan under pressure. His ability to change pace and hit the right length proved effective on a surface that offered just enough help.
Donovan Ferreira counter-attacked with a short 69-ball 44 as he looked to drag Rajasthan back into the match. However, Sakib cut short that resistance with a well-executed cutter that disturbed the stumps at a crucial moment.
Once Ferreira went down, the inning quickly fell apart. Sakib cleaned up the lower order, including the wickets of Jofra Archer and Ravi Bishnoi, to finish with impressive figures of 4 for 24.
Rajasthan were eventually bowled out for 159 in 19 overs, a total that reflected an early collapse as well as an inability to build a lasting partnership.
ISHAN KISHAN LEADS FROM THE FRONT
Earlier, it was Ishan Kishan who laid the foundation for SRH’s victory with a commanding innings at the top.
After early setbacks with Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head falling cheaply, Kishan took control of the innings. He balanced caution with aggression, securing stability before accelerating once he had set up.
His 91 off 44 balls, which included eight fours and six sixes, set the tone for SRH’s total. He found support in Heinrich Klaasen, who added 40, while Nitish Reddy and Salil Arora contributed quickfire figures of 28 off 13 and 24 not out.
SRH eventually posted 216 for 6 in 20 overs, a total that proved more than enough given the way their bowlers responded.
Kishan’s influence went beyond his batting. He remained actively involved as a leader, handing over the wicket duties to Salil Arora and staying close to his bowlers throughout the innings. His approach helped create a positive environment that allowed the young offense to play with confidence.
WHAT’S NEXT BOTH TEAMS
For Sunrisers Hyderabad, this win could be a turning point. After a slow start, they now have a plan built on trusting youth and supporting it with intent. They will look to carry this momentum into their next match against Chennai Super Kings.
It was a rare off day for Rajasthan Royals in an otherwise strong campaign. They will be looking to quickly regroup and address deficiencies as they prepare to face Kolkata Knight Riders in their next outing.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
13 Apr 2026 23:42 IST
