SRH vs PBKS: A Rivalry Defined by Orange Dominance
In 24 meetings across 13 IPL seasons (2013–2025), Sunrisers Hyderabad have won 17 matches to Punjab Kings' 7 — a win rate of 70.8% that places this fixture among the most one-sided in the tournament's history. For context, only a handful of IPL head-to-head records are this lopsided across 20-plus meetings. From the very first encounter on 19 April 2013 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal — where GH Vihari earned the Player of the Match in a 5-wicket SRH victory — to the most recent clash on 12 April 2025 at the same ground, Hyderabad have dominated this fixture with a consistency that few teams manage against any opponent.
What makes this rivalry particularly striking is how little Punjab Kings have managed to shift the narrative over the years. Despite periodic squad overhauls, mega-auction resets, and captaincy changes, Punjab have never strung together more than two consecutive wins against the Sunrisers. The 17-7 record is not simply a historical artefact — it reflects a pattern that has persisted across eras, venues, and formats of team-building.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record
| Metric | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Punjab Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Matches won | 17 | 7 |
| Win percentage | 70.8% | 29.2% |
| Total meetings | 24 | 24 |
| Biggest victory (runs) | — | 72 runs (2014, Sharjah) |
| Biggest victory (wickets) | 9 wickets (2021, Chennai) | — |
| Closest finish (runs) | 2 runs (2024, Mullanpur) | — |
The table tells the story plainly: Sunrisers Hyderabad have been the dominant side in every measurable dimension except one — Punjab Kings hold the record for the biggest victory by runs in this fixture, a 72-run demolition in Sharjah during the 2014 season. That match, played on 22 April 2014, saw Glenn Maxwell earn the Player of the Match in what remains the most emphatic Punjab performance against Hyderabad.
Last 5 Meetings
| Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Apr 2025 | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad | SRH | 8 wickets | Abhishek Sharma |
| 19 May 2024 | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad | SRH | 4 wickets | Abhishek Sharma |
| 9 Apr 2024 | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur | SRH | 2 runs | Nithish Kumar Reddy |
| 9 Apr 2023 | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad | SRH | 8 wickets | S Dhawan |
| 22 May 2022 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | PBKS | 5 wickets | Harpreet Brar |
The recent form is stark: Sunrisers Hyderabad have won 4 of the last 5 meetings, with Punjab Kings' sole victory coming in May 2022 at the Wankhede Stadium. The 2024 and 2025 editions were particularly one-sided — Abhishek Sharma earned the Player of the Match in three consecutive SRH victories across those two seasons, establishing himself as Punjab's nemesis in this fixture.
Defining Moments
The Biggest Blowout: Punjab's 72-Run Sharjah Statement (2014)
On 22 April 2014, in the UAE leg of that season, Punjab Kings delivered the most comprehensive victory in the history of this fixture. Glenn Maxwell was at the peak of his devastating IPL form, and Punjab posted a total that Sunrisers never threatened. The 72-run margin remains the widest in any SRH-PBKS match. It was one of only two Punjab victories at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium — a venue where they won both their meetings against Hyderabad, making it the only ground where Punjab hold a 2-0 advantage in this fixture.
The Closest Finish: 2 Runs at Mullanpur (2024)
On 9 April 2024, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, the two teams produced the tightest finish in the history of this rivalry. Sunrisers Hyderabad defended their total by a margin of just 2 runs — a result that could have swung either way in the final over. Nithish Kumar Reddy earned the Player of the Match for his all-round contribution. In a fixture defined by comfortable margins and predictable outcomes, this match was the exception that proved the rule.
Abhishek Sharma's Triple Crown (2023–2025)
Across three consecutive SRH victories between 2023 and 2025, Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match twice (2024 Match 69 and 2025 Match 27), while Shikhar Dhawan took the award in the 2023 meeting. What makes Abhishek Sharma's dominance remarkable is its consistency — he delivered match-defining performances in Hyderabad on both occasions, turning the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium into a fortress against Punjab. His 8-wicket victory margins in 2023 and 2025 were near-identical in their ruthlessness.
Venue Split
The SRH-PBKS rivalry has been played across 12 different venues — an unusually high number that reflects IPL's geographic spread, including UAE-based seasons in 2014 and 2020–2021.
| Venue | Meetings | SRH Wins | PBKS Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad (all variants) | 10 | 9 | 1 |
| Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali (all variants) | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Sharjah Cricket Stadium | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Intl Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Note: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has appeared with slightly different naming conventions across seasons ("Uppal", "Uppal, Hyderabad", standalone). Combined, it accounts for 10 meetings — the most of any venue in this fixture. Sunrisers Hyderabad have won 9 of those 10 matches, losing only once at home. Hyderabad is, by any measure, a fortress against Punjab.
Punjab's best venue in this rivalry is Sharjah, where they hold a 2-0 record from the 2014 and 2020 UAE-based seasons. At their own home grounds in Mohali (PCA Stadium variants combined), Punjab have managed only a 2-2 split — unable to establish home dominance even on their own turf.
Sunrisers' Era of Dominance: 2016–2021
Between 2016 and 2021, Sunrisers Hyderabad won 10 of 12 meetings against Punjab Kings — a dominance rate of 83.3% across a 6-season window. This period coincided with SRH's golden era under David Warner's captaincy and their 2016 title-winning season. The only Punjab victories during this stretch came in isolated matches that never translated into sustained momentum. Even the 2021 season — which was arguably SRH's worst IPL campaign overall — saw them defeat Punjab by 9 wickets in Chennai (21 April 2021), with Jonny Bairstow earning the Player of the Match in a chase completed with clinical efficiency.
Punjab's inability to crack the code against Hyderabad during these years is notable because it persisted through multiple Punjab rebuilds. Whether under George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Murali Vijay, Ravichandran Ashwin, or KL Rahul, Punjab's captains could not find a formula to consistently challenge SRH.
The Rivalry's Place in IPL History
The SRH-PBKS fixture occupies a unique space in IPL lore: it is a rivalry where the statistical outcome is almost predetermined, yet individual matches have produced some of the tournament's most dramatic finishes. The 2-run margin at Mullanpur in 2024 sits alongside the 72-run blowout in Sharjah in 2014, illustrating the full spectrum of T20 cricket within a single head-to-head record. Punjab Kings, despite their persistent inability to close the gap, have occasionally produced performances — Maxwell's Sharjah eruption, Harpreet Brar's 2022 Wankhede masterclass — that remind observers how fine the margins truly are.
For Sunrisers Hyderabad, this fixture represents their most reliable source of points in any IPL season. A 70.8% win rate across 24 matches is not a statistical fluke — it is a structural advantage built over 13 seasons and reinforced by Hyderabad's home fortress. The rivalry will be revisited every IPL season, and until Punjab Kings find a way to win at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium with any consistency, the orange dominance shows no sign of fading.
FAQ
What is the overall head-to-head record between SRH and PBKS in the IPL?
Sunrisers Hyderabad lead Punjab Kings 17-7 in 24 IPL meetings played between 2013 and 2025. SRH's win percentage of 70.8% makes this one of the most lopsided head-to-head records among teams with 20 or more meetings.
What was the biggest victory in the SRH vs PBKS fixture?
The biggest victory by runs was Punjab Kings' 72-run win at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on 22 April 2014, with Glenn Maxwell earning the Player of the Match. The biggest victory by wickets was Sunrisers Hyderabad's 9-wicket win at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on 21 April 2021, with Jonny Bairstow named Player of the Match.
What was the closest match between SRH and PBKS?
The closest finish in this rivalry was a 2-run victory for Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on 9 April 2024. Nithish Kumar Reddy was the Player of the Match.
Which venue has hosted the most SRH vs PBKS matches?
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad has hosted 10 meetings (across different naming conventions) — the most of any venue. SRH have won 9 of those 10 matches, making it a near-impregnable fortress in this fixture.
Where can I watch SRH vs PBKS matches live?
All IPL matches, including SRH vs PBKS fixtures, are broadcast live on JioStar across television and streaming platforms during every IPL season.
How many IPL titles have SRH and PBKS won?
Sunrisers Hyderabad have won 1 IPL title (2016). Punjab Kings have never won the IPL, making them one of only two current franchises (alongside Delhi Capitals) yet to lift the trophy. Punjab's best finish was as runners-up in 2014.
Has any player dominated the SRH vs PBKS fixture?
Abhishek Sharma has been the standout performer in recent seasons, earning the Player of the Match award in two consecutive SRH victories (2024 Match 69 and 2025 Match 27). Glenn Maxwell holds the distinction of delivering Punjab's most dominant individual performance — the 72-run Sharjah win in 2014.