Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: In a jaw-dropping run-fest at the Wankhede Stadium, Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen powered Sunrisers Hyderabad to a sensational six-wicket win over Mumbai Indians, chasing down a massive 244 with eight balls to spare in IPL 2026.The duo’s explosive effort overshadowed a record-breaking unbeaten 123 from Ryan Rickelton, whose knock had earlier lifted Mumbai to 243/5 — their highest total batting first and one that seemed imposing on paper.
Head, Klaasen turn chase into carnage
Chasing 244, SRH made a mockery of the target, racing to 249/4 in just 18.4 overs in what became the fourth-highest successful chase in IPL history.Head set the tone with a blistering 76 off just 30 balls, smashing eight sixes and four boundaries. However, his innings was aided by multiple lifelines, with MI dropping chances and missing a crucial edge early on.Naman Dhir was involved in two missed opportunities, while Rickelton failed to spot an edge behind the stumps — moments that proved costly as Head punished the hosts.After Head’s dismissal, Klaasen took over with a brutal unbeaten 65 off 30 balls, dismantling the bowling attack with seven fours and four sixes. He found support in Salil Arora, who finished with a rapid 30 not out off 10 balls to seal the chase in emphatic fashion.Even Jasprit Bumrah (0 for 54) endured a rare off day, conceding heavily as SRH batters attacked relentlessly from the outset.
Rickelton’s brilliance in vain
Earlier, Rickelton produced one of the finest knocks in Mumbai Indians’ history, remaining unbeaten on 123 off 55 balls, laced with 10 fours and eight sixes. It was not only MI’s highest individual score but also their fastest century in IPL history.He was well supported by Will Jacks, who hammered 46 off 22 balls, and skipper Hardik Pandya, who chipped in with a quickfire 31 off 15 deliveries.The opening stand of 93 in just seven overs laid the foundation, with MI reaching 78 in the powerplay. Rickelton anchored the innings throughout, ensuring the hosts posted a daunting total on a batting-friendly surface.Despite Rickelton’s heroics, Mumbai were left to rue missed chances and a lack of control with the ball. For SRH, it was a statement victory — one that not only extended their winning streak but also firmly established them as serious contenders in IPL 2026.
