Sunrise Hyderabad (SRH) delivered a complete performance to overcome Calcutta Knights Riders (KKR) by 65 runs in Match 6 of IPL 2026 at a packed Eden Gardens. Asked to bat first, SRH scored an imposing total of 226/8 and then backed it up with a clinical bowling effort, packing KKR for 161 in just 16 overs.
The contest quickly became one-sided as SRH controlled proceedings in both innings. From explosive batting to disciplined bowling, it was a performance that highlighted their depth and intent at the start of the tournament.
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane opted to bowl first after winning the toss, hoping the fielding would offer some early help. However, that decision did not go as planned as SRH’s batsmen came out attacking from the start.
Explosive batting sets massive total for SRH
SRH’s innings was built on aggressive strokeplay and solid partnerships, with multiple batsmen contributing valuable runs. The tone was set early on by openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, who took the KKR players by surprise with their fearless approach.
The pair scored a quick stand of 82 runs in just 34 balls. Head made 46 off 21 deliveries, while Abhishek looked equally dangerous, scoring 48 off 21 balls. Their aggressive start ensured that SRH were well ahead of the game within the powerplay.
Although both first matches fell in quick succession, the momentum did not slow down. Ishan Kishan played a short but impactful knock while Heinrich Klaasen took charge of the mid overs. Klaasen anchored the innings with a composed but attacking 52 off 35 balls, mixing clever placement with powerful hitting.
found solid support in Nitish Kumar Reddywho added a spirited 39 off 24 balls. Together, they built an 82-run partnership that took SRH past the 200-run mark and put immense pressure on KKR.
Late contributions from the lower order, including quick cameos from Harsh Dubey and Shivang Kumar, ensured that SRH finished strongly at 226/8, a total that was always above par.
For KKR, Blessing Muzarabani stood out as the only bright spot. The Zimbabwe pacer picked up 4 wickets for 41 runs and removed key batsmen, but lacked support from the rest of the bowling unit, who struggled to stem the flow of runs.
KKR chase falters under pressure
Chasing a daunting 227, Kolkata Knight Riders needed a near-perfect start. While they showed flashes of aggression, they failed to build sustained partnerships and continued to lose wickets at crucial moments.
Finn Allen made an explosive start, smashing 28 off just 7 balls and briefly raising hopes of a strong chase. However, his early dismissal slowed the momentum. Angkrish Raghuvanshi then stepped up with a fighting knock of 52 off 29 balls, showing composure under pressure.
Despite their efforts, wickets continued to fall at the other end. Rahane and Cameron Green failed to make an impact, leaving KKR struggling to maintain the required pace.
Rinku Singh tried to stabilize the innings with a quick 35, but once he was dismissed, the chase fell apart. The lower order could not offer much resistance as the interest rate rose rapidly.
SRH bowlers executed their plans brilliantly. Jaydev Unadkat led the attack with figures of 3/21, attacking at key moments to derail KKR’s chase. He was well supported by Eshan Malinga, who impressed with 2/14, while Nitish Reddy and Harsh Dubey contributed important wickets.
Also READ: IPL 2026 – Abhishek Sharma stormed out after Varun Chakravarthy’s disputed catch denied SRH opener a blazing fifty against KKR
This is how the fans reacted:
SRH win their second game against KKR at Eden Garden by a huge margin of 65 runs 🔥
This was an absolute clinical bowling performance by the SRH bowlers which did not give any chance to the KKR batsmen to get back into the game with regular wickets after below average bowling in the first game.#KKRvSRH— God of Shinobi 🇮🇳🚩 (@Shinobi_nokami1) April 2, 2026
READY AND DUSTED! ✅
🎥 Jaydev Unadkat ends in style and @SunRisers They have their ✌️points 🧡
Dashboard ▶️ https://t.co/iCMFpDudP7#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #KKRvSRH pic.twitter.com/54FBHNcWAz
— Indian Premier League (@IPL) April 2, 2026
A victory by 65 runs. That’s huge. Especially with a bowling unit that is considered the weakest among all the teams.
Well done @SunRisers 👏#KKRvsSRH #KKRvSRH
-Shashank (@Shashank97says) April 2, 2026
NITISH KUMAR REDDY’S REACTION AFTER TAKING WICKET FROM RINKU SINGH #KKR #SRH #KKRvsSRH #IshanKishan #AbhishekSharma #VarunChakravarthy pic.twitter.com/vIz7MP5V4K
– Somesh Jangra (@CelebrityGalax) April 2, 2026
Actually, SRH pitched very well after that first nightmare. Harsh Dubey is the hero as he takes out Finn with an excellent delivery and an extraordinary catch.#KKRvSRH
-Ser Duncan🐉 (@iamvamsi95) April 2, 2026
In a batting league… this type of bowling wins games 👏🔥 #IPL#KKRVSRH
– EYEOCTOR (@DrSiddhart14213) April 2, 2026
Narine, Ramandeep, Rinku and Rahane gave SRH some catching practice after some time in the midfield. That’s how welcoming my KKR is ☺️☺️☺️!! #KKRvsSRH #KKRvSRH #IPL #KolkataKnightRiders
– GAURESH MAHADIK (@Gaureshsm53) April 2, 2026
More than 8️⃣0️⃣ races within the powerplay 😯
🎥 Glimpses Of Travis Head And Abhishek Sharma’s Hot Partnership 🔥#SRH 84/1 after 6️⃣ overs
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/iCMFpDudP7#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #KKRvSRH | @SunRisers pic.twitter.com/kWyL3BNLT7
— Indian Premier League (@IPL) April 2, 2026
Malinga has done and dusted for the SSR #IPL2026 #KKRvSRH pic.twitter.com/WjcHS25wZu
– Akhand talks cricket (@AkhandSharma9) April 2, 2026
So we beat the worst team in the tournament. Beating KKR means literally nothing. They will finish last again.#KKRvSRH
— Dave (ARTETA OUT) (@AFC_Dev17) April 2, 2026
Forget about our bowling, which is the worst anyway, looking at our batting, we have no depth here either. Rinku and Ramandeep haven’t scored runs in a long time. Anukul is not a reliable batsman and we don’t have any finisher after Dre Russ’ retirement.
— Prantik (@Pran__07) April 2, 2026
