SRH Demolish RCB: Josh Hazlewood Concedes Record 55 Runs in Worst T20 Spell
SRH Batter RCB Bowlers as Hazlewood Suffers Worst T20 Spell
In a dominant display at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) sent a strong message to the rest of the IPL 2026 table with a ferocious batting performance against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The standout moment? Josh Hazlewood’s career-worst figures, which saw the usually reliable Australian pacer concede 55 runs in four overs—including a 27-run 13th over that shattered his T20 record.
Powerplay Onslaught Sets the Tone
Opting to bat first on a flat, batting-friendly wicket, SRH didn’t waste time. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head launched a powerplay blitz, amassing 63 runs in the first six overs. Abhishek Sharma was the chief destroyer, smashing 56 off just 22 balls with five towering sixes. RCB’s bowlers looked shell-shocked as SRH accelerated beyond expectations from the outset.
Hazlewood’s Night of Misery
With the scoring accelerating, RCB captain Rajat Patidar turned to Josh Hazlewood in the 13th over, hoping the experienced pacer could stem the tide. Instead, what followed was a bowler’s nightmare.
Over 13.0: Facing Heinrich Klaasen, Hazlewood began with a misfired yorker that was slapped for a six. The next delivery, a low full toss, disappeared over midwicket. Another six followed almost immediately. As pressure mounted, Hazlewood bowled two wides and served up a short, leg-stump half-volley that was crashed for a boundary. In total, the over cost 27 runs—now recorded as the most expensive of his T20 career.
He finished his spell with figures of 4-0-55, his worst in any T20 match. Known for his precision and economy, Hazlewood was left unrecognizable under the Hyderabad onslaught.
Klaasen and Kishan Seal the Damage
Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan capitalized on the momentum, forging a 113-run partnership for the third wicket. Both batters reached their half-centuries in quick time, with Klaasen slamming 51 off just 24 balls before falling to Krunal Pandya. Kishan remained not out at the other end, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
SRH crossed the 200-run mark before the 16th over, firmly putting the game out of RCB’s reach. With every over, the home side pushed closer to a 250+ total—an almost insurmountable target in T20 cricket.
RCB’s Bowling Collapses Under Pressure
Hazlewood wasn’t the only bowler to suffer. Rasikh Salam and Purple Cap holder Bhuvneshwar Kumar also conceded more than 15 runs in their respective overs, unable to rein in the SRH batters. RCB’s disciplined bowling unit—once praised for its control—looked completely out of sorts on this night.
Rajat Patidar’s Return Offers Glimmer of Hope
Earlier, RCB received a boost as skipper Rajat Patidar returned to the playing XI after recovering from injury. His presence was expected to stabilize RCB’s campaign, especially with playoffs on the horizon. The defending champions currently sit atop the points table and remain in strong contention for a top-two finish—granting them two shots at the final.
However, after this lopsided performance, Patidar and his team must urgently regroup. With SRH gunning for the same top-two spot, the pressure is mounting in this tightly contested season.
What This Means for IPL 2026 Standings
This match wasn’t just about revenge or momentum—it was a statement. SRH showed they aren’t just relying on their usual formula but can now dominate through explosive batting. Meanwhile, RCB must address their over-reliance on key bowlers and find answers before the playoffs.
As both teams continue their climb up the ladder, this match will be remembered for one thing: the night Josh Hazlewood had his worst T20 outing—and Sunrisers Hyderabad made sure to capitalize.
