The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is the most batting-dominant team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Yet, their batting has let them down. In their opening match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), they posted just 49 runs in the powerplay and lost 3 wickets.
They still posted 201 on the board, but the total wasn’t enough as RCB chased it down in just 15.4 overs. The subpar performance in the 1 to 6 overs was why SRH lost. Unfortunately, the Ishan Kishan-led team hasn’t learnt from their shortcomings. In the very next game, against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), SRH recorded the lowest powerplay score of IPL 2026.
Lowest powerplay total in IPL 2026
| Score | Run Rate | Team | Opposition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22/3 | 3.66 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Lucknow Super Giants | Hyderabad |
| 33/4 | 5.50 | Delhi Capitals | Lucknow Super Giants | Lucknow |
| 41/4 | 6.83 | Chennai Super Kings | Rajasthan Royals | Guwahati |
| 41/2 | 6.83 | Mumbai Indians | Delhi Capitals | Delhi |
| 42/2 | 7.00 | Delhi Capitals | Mumbai Indians | Delhi |
Returning to their home, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, SRH had to deal with tough batting conditions and exceptional new-ball bowling from LSG. It resulted in SRH registering their fourth-lowest powerplay total in the IPL.
Mohammed Shami, who delivered a tidy spell against the Delhi Capitals on his LSG debut, was on absolute fire against SRH. He was getting help from the surface, but applied his smart, slower balls and cutters to dismiss both Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. By the end of his 2nd over, he had conceded just 2 runs and claimed both the SRH openers.
Shami had Liam Livingstone on the ropes in his final powerplay over, but just couldn’t get his man. Meanwhile, LSG captain Rishabh Pant entrusted Prince Yadav with just one over upfront. But that proved to be enough. The fast bowler from Delhi knocked down SRH captain Ishan Kishan’s stump.
The home team was 11/3 at one point. Heinrich Klaasen and Livingstone steadied the ship; otherwise, it could’ve been much worse for SRH. However, on a positive note, it can only get better for SRH from here.over but
Lowest powerplay total for SRH in IPL
| Score | Run Rate | Opposition | Venue | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14/3 | 2.33 | Rajasthan Royals | Pune | 2022 |
| 20/3 | 3.33 | Punjab Kings | Sharjah | 2021 |
| 21/3 | 3.50 | Rajasthan Royals | Hyderabad | 2013 |
| 22/3 | 3.66 | Lucknow Super Giants | Hyderabad | 2026 |
| 24/4 | 4.00 | Mumbai Indians | Hyderabad | 2025 |
