In the cauldron of Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, where cricket meets chaos, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) once again rewrote the IPL record books. On 25 May, 2025, in a high octane clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the orange army stamped their authority not just with another monstrous total but with a breathtaking masterclass from their power-hitter, Heinrich Klaasen.
Klaasen’s 37-Ball Hurricane
It wasn’t just a century. It was a whirlwind, a spectacle, a cricketing storm that left bowlers and fans stunned alike. Coming in when the groundwork was laid by the openers, Klaasen turned the match into his own highlight reel. With brute force and balletic timing, he blasted a century in just 37 balls, becoming the joint third fastest century scorer in IPL history. The South African maestro didn’t just bat, he dismantled, deconstructed, and redefined aggression.
From reverse sweeps to thunderous pulls and towering sixes over long-on, Klaasen had an answer for every delivery. His knock was more than a statistical marvel; it was a statement.
“I just wanted to stay in the moment and back my instincts. The pitch was flat, the crowd was roaring, and I just felt like everything clicked ”, Klaasen said post-match.
Fastest Centuries in IPL History
Klaasen’s entry into the elite club of fastest century makers is a crowning achievement, one that places him among legends. Klaasen now stands shoulder to shoulder with the game’s most fearsome hitters, his name etched forever in the annals of IPL brilliance.
And here’s the fastest century holders in IPL history
Rank | Player | Balls | Team | Opposition | Date |
1 | Chris Gayle | 30 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Pune Warriors India | 23-Apr-2013 |
2 | Vaibhav Suryavanshi | 35 | Rajasthan Royals | Gujarat Titans | 28-Apr-2025 |
3 | Yusuf Pathan | 37 | Rajasthan Royals | Mumbai Indians | 13-Mar-2010 |
3 | Heinrich Klaasen | 37 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Kolkata Knight Riders | 25-May-2025 |
Also read: Mr. IPL Returns: Suresh Raina to Join CSK as Batting Coach in 2026?
Sunrisers: A Batting Empire Built on Firepower
SRH’s 278/3 against KKR was not an isolated explosion. It marked the fourth time they’ve breached the 275 run mark, a feat no other franchise has ever achieved. They now officially own the top four highest team scores in IPL history, showcasing their dominance and depth in batting.
Top 4 Highest Team Scores in IPL History (All by SRH)
Rank | Team | Score | Opposition | Venue | Date |
1 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 287/3 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Bengaluru | 15-Apr-2024 |
2 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 286/6 | Rajasthan Royals | Hyderabad | 23-Mar-2025 |
3 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 278/3 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Delhi | 25-May-2025 |
4 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 277/3 | Mumbai Indians | Hyderabad | 27-Mar-2024 |
SRH’s transformation from a middle order dependent unit to a full blown batting powerhouse is the story of IPL’s modern evolution where calculated aggression and self belief shape match outcomes.
A Frenzy of Reactions
As Klaasen raised his bat to celebrate the century, the atmosphere inside the stadium was electric. Fans waved flags, chants of “SRH! SRH!” echoed across Delhi, and social media went into a meltdown.
“Klaasen = Class + Carnage,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter) – Former SRH captain David Warner posted, “What a knock! Klaasen, that was special. SRH are rewriting history one match at a time.”
What This Means for SRH and the IPL
SRH is no longer just a team that grinds out wins, it’s a spectacle. A team that can destroy any bowling attack, anywhere, anytime. With firepower across the order and finishers like Klaasen in sublime form, they’re redefining what’s possible in T20 cricket.
But perhaps more than the records, it’s the spirit of this team that resonates fearless, united, and relentless. As the IPL 2025 approaches its crescendo, one truth has become crystal clear: SRH isn’t just chasing glory. They’re building a legacy and Klaasen is its newest architect.
Written By Smita Singh