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Who holds the edge in the 30-plus battles fought between KKR and SRH in the IPL? A record-breaking score of 278 runs, a thriller won by just 4 runs, a playoff final, and nail-biting finishes—discover the full story behind the most memorable clashes between these two teams in this article.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), there are certain rivalries that fill cricket fans with excitement every single season. The clash between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is undoubtedly one of them. Both teams are renowned for playing aggressive cricket—on one side stands the lethal bowling attack of Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Varun Chakravarthy; on the other, the explosive batting prowess of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen.
To date, the two teams have faced each other in 30 matches in the IPL. Of these, KKR has won 20 matches, while SRH has secured 10 victories. KKR's dominance is evident, yet SRH has also staged spirited comebacks on numerous occasions.
Highest Scores and Record-Breaking Performances
SRH has posted massive totals several times in this rivalry. The most memorable instance occurred on May 25, 2025 (in Delhi), when SRH amassed a colossal score of 278/3 against KKR. This stands as the third-highest team total in the history of the IPL. Heinrich Klaasen smashed an unbeaten 105 runs off just 39 balls, while Travis Head played a blistering knock of 76 runs. KKR was restricted to 168 runs, and SRH clinched a resounding victory by a margin of 110 runs.
KKR's highest score against SRH stands at 208/7 (recorded in 2024), a total they posted at Eden Gardens. In that particular match, SRH reached 204/7, but KKR managed to secure a thrilling victory by a narrow margin of 4 runs.
Nail-Biting Thrillers and Memorable Matches
- IPL 2024 Final: In Chennai, KKR defeated SRH by 8 wickets. SRH was bundled out for just 113 runs, a target KKR chased down with ease.
- IPL 2024 Qualifier 1: KKR once again handed SRH an 8-wicket defeat.
- 2024 Opening Match: At Eden Gardens, KKR posted 208 runs and defeated SRH by 4 runs—a classic thriller.
- Memories from Past Seasons: In 2021, KKR secured a narrow victory in a low-scoring encounter. The two teams also faced off in the 2016-17 playoff matches, where both rain and tension played their part.
SRH's strength lies in their openers and the finishing prowess of their middle order, while KKR's core strength is their spin attack and the brilliance of Russell and Narine in the death overs. There have been numerous matches where the outcome remained uncertain right up until the final over.
Head-to-Head Statistics
- Total Matches: 30
- KKR Wins: 20
- SRH Wins: 10
- Highest Score: SRH – 278/3 (2025)
- KKR's Highest Score: 208/7
- Largest Victory (by Runs): SRH's 110-run win (2025)
What Makes This Rivalry Special?
Both teams are championship winners—KKR has lifted the IPL trophy twice, while SRH won it in 2016. In recent seasons, SRH has emerged as the most aggressive batting unit in the league, whereas KKR has previously won the tournament fielding a well-balanced squad. Every match features big hits, spectacular catches, and lethal bowling. When the two teams face off in the next season, fans will once again look forward to that same old thrill—whether it’s a high-scoring affair exceeding 200 runs or a tight contest hovering around the 150-mark.
