Virat Kohli's RCB issue an official statement after SRH breaks their 11-year old record of the highest team total in IPL history

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) broke the all-time record of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during their match against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2024. Nevertheless, Royal Challengers Bengaluru congratulated the SRH team for their incredible achievement.

Sunrisers Hyderabad shattered the decade-old record for the highest total in the Indian Premier League on Wednesday, March 27. The Pat Cummins-led side posted a record-breaking total of 277/3 in 20 overs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

The Bengaluru-based franchise scored 263/5 against Pune Warriors India (PWI) in 2013. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) came close to breaking the record last year. The Lucknow franchise recorded a total of 257/5 in their allotted 20 overs against the Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Congratulations On Setting A New Bench-Mark – Royal Challengers Bengaluru

RCB took to social media to congratulate Sunrisers Hyderabad on breaking their record. In a witty tweet, RCB cleverly incorporated the names of Head and Klaasen and stated that ‘Records are meant to be broken,’ showing good sportsmanship.

“Our Head’s spinning  Klass innings! Congratulations on setting a new bench-mark! Sharmao Mat (Don’t be shy), records are meant to be broken. Well done, @SunRisers,” RCB wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Our Head’s spinning 🤯 Klass innings! Congratulations on setting a new bench-mark! Sharmao Mat, records are meant to be broken. Well done, @SunRisers 🙌

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 27, 2024

Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma helped SRH get off to a strong start despite Mayank Agarwal’s early dismissal. Head’s explosive 62 runs off 24 balls, supported by Sharma’s 63 runs off 23 deliveries, set the tone with a 68-run partnership for the second wicket.

Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram continued the onslaught, forging an unbroken 116-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Klaasen scored an aggressive 80 off 34 deliveries, including four boundaries and seven sixes, while Markram contributed 42 off 28 balls.

Captain Hardik Pandya, Piyush Chawla, and Gerald Coetzee each clinched a wicket. Jasprit Bumrah was the most economical bowler for the Mumbai team, conceding 36 runs in his four overs.

You Never Play For 270 – Pat Cummins

Speaking after the match, Pat Cummins praised Abhishek Sharma’s composed performance under pressure in the IPL. Cummins emphasized the importance of positive, aggressive play and clear bowling plans, despite conceding boundaries on a good wicket.

“That was insane. The ball was really pinging around. Not until we bowled, it got a bit too close for comfort. They found a boundary whenever they needed it, but we finished it off well. (On Abhishek Sharma) Really impressive, in IPL you play with a lot of pressure but he plays with great freedom.”

“(On plans in first innings) You never play for 270, but we wanted to be postive and be aggressive, take the game on. It was a good wicket, so we have to suck it up knowing we would go for a few boundaries. What’s important is to have clear plans with the ball. (On home crowd) Amazing atmosphere in the ground, enjoyed playing here, was incredibly loud,” Pat Cummins said.

The team led by Pat Cummins restricted the five-time IPL champions to 246 runs, securing their first victory of the ongoing season. Following the win, the Hyderabad-based team climbed to third place in the table with two points and a net run rate of +0.675.

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