IPL 2026: Josh Hazlewood Suffers Career-Worst T20 Figures Against SRH
A Night to Forget for Josh Hazlewood
In the highly anticipated 67th match of the IPL 2026 season, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad witnessed a batting masterclass as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) unleashed an unrelenting assault on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) bowling lineup. The highlight, or rather the low point of the evening, saw RCB’s premier pace bowler, Josh Hazlewood, record the worst figures of his illustrious T20 career as the SRH batters showed absolutely no mercy.
Known historically for his pinpoint accuracy and economy, Hazlewood found himself struggling against an SRH side that was clearly intent on exploiting the batting-friendly conditions of the Hyderabad surface. The Australian pacer, usually a reliable trump card, was taken to the cleaners in a sequence of play that effectively pushed RCB out of the contest.
The Turning Point: A Record-Breaking Over
The pivotal moment arrived during the 13th over of the first innings. Heinrich Klaasen, finding his rhythm early, targeted Hazlewood with surgical precision. The over proved to be a nightmare for the bowler, who conceded three massive sixes and a boundary. Combined with a couple of wides, Hazlewood surrendered 27 runs in that single over—the most expensive of his T20 career. His spell eventually concluded with figures of 4-0-55, a stark departure from the standards he has set over the years.
SRH Batters Set the Stage
The tone for the match was set well before Hazlewood’s expensive over. SRH openers played with total freedom, accumulating 63 runs in the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma was particularly aggressive, racing to 56 off just 22 balls, punctuated by five towering sixes. This momentum was seamlessly maintained by Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan, whose partnership of 113 runs for the third wicket for all intents and purposes demoralized the RCB bowlers.
Even when RCB managed to find a breakthrough, with Krunal Pandya eventually dismissing Klaasen for a blistering 51 off 24 deliveries, the damage had already been done. SRH reached the 200-run mark well before the 16th over, putting them in a strong position to challenge for a 250-plus total.
RCB Looks Toward the Playoffs
Despite the current onslaught, the match also brought a positive update for the Bengaluru franchise. Captain Rajat Patidar made a successful return to the playing XI after missing the previous fixture against PBKS due to injury. His presence is vital for RCB, who currently sit at the top of the points table and are looking to solidify a top-two finish to secure their path through the playoffs.
For now, the focus for RCB remains on regrouping. While their position at the top of the table provides some buffer, the ruthlessness displayed by SRH serves as a stern reminder of the quality opposition lurking in the tournament. As the playoffs approach, RCB will need to address the vulnerabilities in their bowling attack that were so expertly exposed by the Hyderabad batters.
Looking Ahead
The IPL 2026 season continues to provide high-octane cricket, with both SRH and RCB battling for crucial points. While SRH is gunning for a spot in the top two, RCB aims to defend their status as reigning champions. The encounter at Hyderabad stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where even the most disciplined bowlers can be neutralized when the opposition is in full flow.
