New Delhi: In the first match of Sunday’s IPL 2025 double-header, Sunrisers Hyderabad suffered a shocking collapse, getting bundled out for just 163 runs. This was a huge disappointment considering the explosive batting lineup they boast, with experts predicting that the team could reach a 300-run target this season. However, Delhi Capitals’ pace sensation Mitchell Starc had other plans as he dismantled SRH’s batting order, picking up five crucial wickets, including big names like Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh criticized SRH’s batting approach, stating, “If you play with the mindset of scoring 300, you might not even reach 150.”
Hyderabad’s Batting Disaster on a Batting Paradise
The match was played at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, a ground known for being a batting paradise. The absence of dew in the afternoon made conditions ideal for run-scoring, leading SRH captain Pat Cummins to opt for batting first. However, Delhi’s bowling unit turned the decision against them.
Abhishek Sharma (1) was run out in the very first over due to a misunderstanding. Soon after, Starc struck twice, dismissing Ishan Kishan (2) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (0) cheaply. Travis Head (22) also failed to make an impact, leaving Hyderabad struggling at the top.
SRH Still Holds IPL’s Highest Total Record
Interestingly, Sunrisers Hyderabad still holds the record for the highest total in IPL history (287 runs). They also occupy three of the top five highest team totals in IPL history. Earlier in IPL 2025, on March 23, Hyderabad posted a massive 286-run total against Rajasthan Royals. Before the season, captain Pat Cummins had hinted at his team’s ambition to reach the 300-run mark, but Sunday’s performance was a stark contrast.
Mitchell Starc’s IPL Career-Best Spell
Mitchell Starc produced a sensational bowling performance, finishing with figures of 5/35 in just 3.4 overs. This was his best spell in IPL history. Starc was ably supported by Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed three crucial wickets, including that of Aniket Verma, the lone warrior for Hyderabad with a gritty 74-run knock. With this dominant bowling display, Delhi Capitals have sent a strong warning to other teams in IPL 2025. Can Sunrisers Hyderabad bounce back and justify their 300-run ambition? Only time will tell.
