The Sunrisers have established a dominant position in their ongoing match against Rajasthan Royals, significantly boosting their chances of securing a resounding victory.
Batting first, the Sunrisers have put up a massive total, reaching 219 runs for the loss of just three wickets in 16 overs. This explosive batting display has increased their win probability to an impressive 94%, making them clear favorites as the match progresses.
A major talking point in this IPL 2025 fixture has been the implementation of Hawk-Eye technology for determining off-side and head-high wides. For the first time in IPL history, the off-side wide rule is being judged with the help of advanced tracking technology. The new system aims to eliminate the subjective element in wide-ball calls by ensuring that the wide guideline moves in accordance with the batter’s movement. If a batter shifts a foot outside off-stump, the guideline adjusts accordingly, allowing for more precise umpiring decisions. However, this system will not be applied to leg-side wides, and the return crease marking will remain unchanged.
The Sunrisers’ aggressive approach has kept Rajasthan Royals under pressure throughout the innings. Reddy’s powerful stroke play sent a thick outside edge racing to the third-man boundary, pushing the total past 200 runs in record time. According to cricket statistician Sampath Bandarupalli, this marks the joint-fastest team 200 in IPL history, matching Royal Challengers Bangalore’s feat against Kings XI Punjab in 2016.
In a crucial moment, Theekshana dismissed Reddy for 30 off 15 balls in his comeback game after injury. With his departure, all eyes turned to Klaasen and Kishan as the Sunrisers continued their march towards an unprecedented total. Kishan, making his debut for the Sunrisers, celebrated the occasion with a blazing 25-ball half-century, smashing back-to-back sixes off Archer. The English pacer endured a torrid spell, conceding 57 runs in just three overs—his most expensive performance in IPL history.
As Rajasthan Royals scrambled for breakthroughs, they turned to their latest acquisition, Tushar Deshpande, who was immediately put to the test in the tenth over. Deshpande attempted to execute a death-bowling strategy but was met with relentless hitting from the Sunrisers’ batters. His wide, full-length delivery tempted Head into a lofted drive, only to be caught by Hetmyer at cover. Head’s explosive knock of 67 off 31 balls finally came to an end, but the Sunrisers remained firmly in control, eyeing an enormous total to all but seal their victory.
With the Sunrisers in red-hot form, Rajasthan Royals will need a near-miracle to turn the game around. If the Sunrisers’ bowling attack delivers a performance as dominant as their batting display, they are well on their way to securing a comprehensive win in this crucial encounter.