Kishan century powers Hyderabad to big win over Rajasthan
Ishan Kishan struck his maiden Indian Premier League century on Sunday, leading Sunrisers Hyderabad to a commanding 44-run victory over Rajasthan Royals.
Kishan’s 45-ball hundred propelled Hyderabad to 286-6, just one run short of their own record for the highest IPL total. Rajasthan fell short at 242-6, despite half-centuries from Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel.
After being put in to bat, Hyderabad got off to a blistering start, with Travis Head smashing 67 off 31 deliveries alongside Abhishek Sharma. The Australian batter took apart Jofra Archer, hitting 23 runs in a single over, as the England pacer endured a nightmare spell, conceding 76 runs in four overs— the most expensive in IPL history.
Kishan, playing his first match for Hyderabad, took charge after Head’s dismissal, adding 85 runs off 39 balls for the second wicket. Late cameos from Nitish Kumar Reddy (30 off 15) and Heinrich Klaasen (34 off 14) ensured Hyderabad maintained their momentum until the end of the innings, hitting a staggering 34 fours and 12 sixes.
Chasing 287, Rajasthan suffered early blows as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag fell in the second over. Samson, who came in as an impact player due to injury, scored 66, while Jurel top-scored with 70, but their 111-run stand only delayed the inevitable.
Hyderabad, last year’s runners-up, remain a dominant force in the competition. The IPL final is scheduled for May 25, with 74 matches set to take place across 13 venues.
(Source: AFP)
