Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) posted a commanding 255/4 against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 67 of IPL 2026 at Uppal Stadium, Hyderabad on Friday, 22 May. Centuries of intent from Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen left RCB's bowling attack in tatters, setting a daunting 256-run target.

Explosive Start by Head and Abhishek

SRH signalled their intent from the first ball. Openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma plundered 45 runs in the first four overs, with Head contributing a quickfire 26 off 16 balls before Rasikh Salam claimed the first wicket. Abhishek, however, was unstoppable. The left-hander blazed to 56 off just 22 deliveries — striking four fours and five sixes at a staggering strike rate of over 254 — as SRH surged past 97 in the ninth over when Suyash Sharma finally ended the assault.

Ishan Kishan's Masterclass

Ishan Kishan then took centre stage, producing a composed yet explosive 79 off 46 balls, laced with eight fours and three sixes. His knock blended timing with power, and kept the scoreboard ticking through the middle overs even as wickets fell around him. It was a reminder of why Kishan is considered one of the most complete wicketkeeper-batters in the format.

Klaasen's Finishing Blitz

Heinrich Klaasen once again lived up to his reputation as one of the IPL's most destructive finishers. The South African hammered 51 off just 24 balls, launching five massive sixes to rip through RCB's attack in the middle overs. Krunal Pandya eventually dismissed Klaasen in the 17th over, but the damage was done. Nitish Kumar Reddy then provided the finishing flourish with an unbeaten 29 off 12 balls, helping SRH plunder 66 runs in the final five overs and breach the 250-run mark.

RCB Bowlers Tormented

It was a night to forget for every RCB bowler, with each conceding at more than 12 runs per over. Rasikh Salam was the most economical with figures of 2/52, while Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya took one wicket apiece. Experienced pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood were particularly punished, leaking 51 and 55 runs respectively without a wicket to show.

The Chase Ahead

Chasing 256 on a batting-friendly Uppal surface, RCB face one of the steepest run-chases of their IPL 2026 campaign. SRH's total is among the highest posted this season, and with their bowlers in form, the defending champions will need a record-breaking response to stay alive. Brief scores: SRH 255/4 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 79, Abhishek Sharma 56, Heinrich Klaasen 51; Rasikh Salam 2-52) v RCB (yet to bat).