Daijiworld Media Network – Kolkata

Kolkata, Apr 3: Explosive knocks by Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma powered Sunrisers Hyderabad to a commanding 65-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL clash at Eden Gardens on Thursday.

Head smashed 46 off just 21 balls, while Abhishek hammered a 21-ball 48 as the duo stitched together a blistering 82-run opening stand, laying a solid foundation for Hyderabad’s imposing total of 226/8. The pair dominated the opposition attack, striking boundaries at will.

Despite losing quick wickets, Heinrich Klaasen anchored the innings with a top score of 52, while Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed a valuable 39, adding 82 runs for the fifth wicket to push the total beyond 220.

In reply, Kolkata got off to a fiery start with Finn Allen smashing boundaries early, but his quickfire 28 ended in the second over. Wicketkeeper-batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi fought back with a brisk 52, but the chase lost momentum as wickets kept falling.

Left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat starred with the ball, picking up three wickets, including two in successive deliveries, as Kolkata were bundled out for 161 in just 16 overs.

With this emphatic win, Hyderabad secured their first points of the season after an opening defeat, while Kolkata slumped to their second consecutive loss.