SRH vs RCB: Josh Hazlewood Suffers Career-Worst T20 Figures in Hyderabad
A Night to Forget for Josh Hazlewood
In the high-stakes environment of the IPL 2026, where every ball carries the weight of playoff ambitions, even the most composed professionals can find themselves under the pump. During the 67th match of the season, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batters delivered a ruthless masterclass against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), turning the usually dependable Josh Hazlewood into a target for their relentless aggression. The Australian pacer, often lauded for his pinpoint accuracy and economy, registered the worst figures of his T20 career as the Hyderabad crowd witnessed a total demolition.
The Hyderabad Onslaught
Choosing to bat first on a pristine surface at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, SRH signaled their intent from the very first ball. The tone was set by Abhishek Sharma, who dismantled the RCB bowling attack early, smashing 56 runs off a mere 22 deliveries, including five towering sixes. His explosive start in the powerplay provided a foundation that the middle order was more than happy to exploit.
As the game progressed, Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan took the baton, dismantling the RCB bowling unit with clinical precision. It was during this phase that RCB captain Rajat Patidar, recently returned from an injury layoff, turned to his most trusted asset: Josh Hazlewood. However, the move proved disastrous.
The Record-Breaking 13th Over
The 13th over of the first innings will likely haunt Hazlewood for some time. Faced with the power of Heinrich Klaasen, the pacer lost his rhythm. Klaasen, reading the lines perfectly, dispatched three sixes and a four in that single over. Compounded by a couple of wides, the pressure mounted, and the over leaked an eye-watering 27 runs. By the time his spell concluded, Hazlewood had conceded 55 runs in his four overs without claiming the wickets needed to justify such an expensive outing.
Mid-Innings Momentum
The damage was not limited to Hazlewood. Following the expensive over, the RCB bowling lineup appeared to lose all composure. Both Rasikh Salam and Purple Cap holder Bhuvneshwar Kumar struggled to contain the flow, conceding over 15 runs in consecutive overs. Klaasen and Kishan, both reaching their fifties in rapid succession, stitched together a 113-run partnership that effectively pushed RCB out of the contest.
Although Krunal Pandya provided a rare moment of relief for the Bengaluru side by dismissing Klaasen for 51 off 24 balls, the damage was already done. SRH crossed the 200-run mark in less than 16 overs, signaling an intent to push well toward the 250-run threshold.
Looking Ahead: Playoffs Implications
Despite this setback, RCB remains a force to be reckoned with. Occupying the top spot on the points table, the franchise is already looking toward the playoffs. The return of captain Rajat Patidar is a significant boost for the team’s tactical stability and batting depth. With a top-two finish likely, RCB will have the buffer of two opportunities to reach the final.
However, the match against SRH serves as a stern reminder of the volatility of T20 cricket. As Sunrisers Hyderabad continues their aggressive push to climb the rankings, other teams must be wary. For RCB, the immediate task is to regroup, analyze where their bowling unit faltered, and prepare for the high-intensity knockout matches that await. As for Josh Hazlewood, a bowler of his pedigree is expected to bounce back, but this particular evening in Hyderabad will be remembered as a rare, humbling night for one of cricket’s finest technicians.
