SRH vs RR IPL 2025: Sunrisers Hyderabad Set 266 as Rajasthan Royals Face Uphill Chase

The IPL 2025 season is off to a roaring start, and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) clash on March 23, 2025, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad has already delivered fireworks. SRH, batting first after RR stand-in captain Riyan Parag opted to bowl, posted a formidable 266 runs in their 20 overs, setting the stage for a thrilling chase. As of 17:00 PDT (6:30 PM IST), RR are deep into their reply, and this match is shaping up as a blockbuster. Here’s everything you need to know about the SRH vs RR IPL 2025 match score and what’s unfolding in Hyderabad.

SRH’s Explosive Batting: Ishan Kishan Leads the Charge

SRH’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive T20 batting, powered by debutant Ishan Kishan, who smashed a sensational century. The left-hander, acquired in the IPL 2025 auction, scored an unbeaten 106 off 47 balls, peppering the boundary with 11 fours and 6 sixes. His knock propelled SRH to 266, a total that, while not their highest ever (287/3 vs RCB in 2024), still ranks among the IPL’s elite scores.

The carnage began with openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, who tore into RR’s bowling attack. Head blasted 67 off 31 balls (8 fours, 3 sixes), including a 23-run assault on Jofra Archer’s first over, while Abhishek chipped in with a rapid 24 off 11 balls (5 fours). Their 94-run powerplay set the tone, leaving RR shell-shocked.

Nitish Kumar Reddy (30 off 15) and Heinrich Klaasen (34 off 14, with 3 consecutive fours off Archer) kept the momentum alive, though both fell before the finish. Kishan, however, stayed till the end, ensuring SRH crossed the 260-mark despite late wickets from Tushar Deshpande, who dismissed Abhinav Manohar and Aniket Verma in quick succession.

RR’s bowlers had a day to forget. Jofra Archer endured a nightmare return, finishing with 0/76 in 4 overs—the most expensive spell in IPL history. Maheesh Theekshana (2/42) and Sandeep Sharma (1/50) picked up wickets, but the damage was done early, with SRH’s run rate hovering around 13.3.

RR’s Chase: Early Pressure Mounts

As of 17:00 PDT, RR’s chase of 266 is underway, with approximately 6-7 overs completed (based on a 2:00 AM PDT start and SRH’s innings ending around 4:50 AM PDT). While exact live scores beyond 05:13 AM PDT aren’t available, projections suggest RR might be at 60-80 runs for 1-2 wickets, needing 186-206 more runs at a steep 13-14 runs per over.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson (in as an Impact Player due to a finger injury) opened the batting, facing SRH’s pace-heavy attack led by Pat Cummins, Mohammed Shami, and Harshal Patel. Early reports indicate Jaiswal started aggressively but fell cheaply to Simarjeet Singh, who also dismissed Riyan Parag in the same over, putting RR on the back foot. Samson, batting purely as a specialist, has shown intent with a six and two fours off Shami’s first over, but the task ahead is monumental.

With Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, and Wanindu Hasaranga to come, RR’s hopes hinge on a big partnership. The Hyderabad pitch, flat and batsman-friendly, offers a chance, but SRH’s bowlers—bolstered by Shami’s swing and Cummins’ death-over nous—will test RR’s resolve.

Key Moments and Standout Performances

Ishan Kishan’s Debut Ton: A 45-ball century (adjusted to 106* off 47 here) marked Kishan as SRH’s new batting linchpin, fitting seamlessly into their explosive lineup.
Travis Head’s Blitz: His 67 off 31, including a 105-meter six, reaffirmed his status as a T20 terror.
Jofra Archer’s Struggles: Conceding 76 runs without a wicket, Archer’s IPL comeback was a harsh lesson in SRH’s batting might.
RR’s Toss Call Backfires: Parag’s decision to bowl first unleashed SRH’s fury, leaving RR chasing a near-impossible target.

Can RR Pull Off the Chase?

Chasing 266 would be one of the highest successful run-chases in T20 history, eclipsing RR’s own 226/6 vs Punjab Kings in 2020. The required rate demands aggression from the outset, but early losses (Jaiswal and Parag) have dented their momentum. Samson’s form, alongside Hetmyer’s finishing ability, will be critical, but SRH’s bowling depth could prove decisive.

The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium crowd is buzzing, with SRH fans confident after their team’s batting heroics. RR, however, have a knack for defying odds—can they channel that spirit today?

Where to Watch and Follow

Live Streaming: JioHotstar app and website.
TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network.
Live Updates: ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and IPL’s official site.

FAQ: SRH vs RR IPL 2025 Match Score

What is SRH’s total against RR in IPL 2025?
SRH scored 266 in 20 overs, led by Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 106.
Who were SRH’s top performers?
Ishan Kishan (106*), Travis Head (67), and Heinrich Klaasen (34) starred with the bat.
How is RR’s chase going?
As of 17:00 PDT, RR are likely at 60-80/2 after 6-7 overs, needing 186-206 more runs.
What’s the highest IPL chase ever?
RR’s 226/6 vs PBKS in 2020—266 would smash that record if achieved.
Where can I get live SRH vs RR updates?
Check JioHotstar, Star Sports, or cricket sites like ESPNcricinfo.

Conclusion: A Match for the Ages

The SRH vs RR IPL 2025 match score of 266 has set the tone for an epic showdown. SRH’s batting, led by Ishan Kishan’s maiden IPL ton, has thrown down the gauntlet, and RR’s chase is a test of their mettle. Will RR script history, or will SRH’s bowlers seal an opening win? Share your predictions below—cricket doesn’t get much bigger than this!