Klaasen’s Blazing Century Powers Sunrisers to 278 Against KKR

As part of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Sunrisers Hyderabad batters unleashed a run-scoring storm during the 68th match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday. After winning the toss and opting to bat, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a formidable total of 278 runs for the loss of just three wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen led the charge with a spectacular unbeaten century, scoring 105 runs off just 39 deliveries. His explosive innings featured seven boundaries and nine sixes, yielding a remarkable strike rate of 269.23.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s innings began with an aggressive start by openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. Abhishek Sharma scored 32 runs off 16 balls, which included four boundaries and two sixes, while Travis Head struck a fluent 76 from 40 balls, comprising six fours and six sixes. Together, they added 92 runs for the first wicket in just 6.5 overs, laying a strong foundation. Notably, Sunrisers racked up 79 runs during the powerplay.

Following the dismissal of Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head continued his onslaught before falling to Sunil Narine for 76 when the team score was 175 in the 12.4th over. Heinrich Klaasen then took charge, launching an assault from the outset and finding able support in Ishan Kishan. Kishan contributed 29 runs from 20 balls with four boundaries and a six, forming a crucial partnership for the third wicket. He was dismissed by Vaibhav Arora in the 18.3rd over when the team score stood at 258.

Klaasen remained unbeaten till the end, and his innings was bolstered by a cameo from Aniket Verma, who added 12 not out from 6 balls, including a four and a six. Extras contributed a notable 24 runs, comprising 2 byes, 7 leg byes, 14 wides, and 1 no-ball.

Among Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowlers, Sunil Narine was the most successful, claiming 2 wickets for 42 runs in 4 overs. Vaibhav Arora took 1 wicket for 39 runs in his 4-over spell. The remaining bowlers suffered heavy punishment—Anrich Nortje conceded 60 runs from 4 overs, Varun Chakravarthy gave away 54 runs in 3 overs, and Andre Russell allowed 34 runs from just 2 overs.

With a daunting target of 279 runs set before them, all eyes are now on how Kolkata Knight Riders will respond.