Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Timeline: A Complete History of Their IPL Encounters

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Timeline

The rivalry between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has been one of the most exciting in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). These two franchises have faced off numerous times, with each match adding new chapters to their competitive history. Below is a detailed timeline of key matches between SRH and RCB, presented in a table format for easy reference.

Timeline of Matches: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Date	Match	Venue	Result	Notable Performances
April 7, 2013	SRH vs RCB (IPL 2013)	Hyderabad	SRH won by 5 runs (Super Over)	Dale Steyn’s tight bowling
April 9, 2013	RCB vs SRH (IPL 2013)	Bangalore	RCB won by 7 wickets	Virat Kohli’s 93*
May 20, 2014	RCB vs SRH (IPL 2014)	Bangalore	SRH won by 7 wickets	David Warner’s 59
April 13, 2015	RCB vs SRH (IPL 2015)	Bangalore	RCB won by 6 wickets	AB de Villiers’ 82*
May 15, 2015	SRH vs RCB (IPL 2015)	Hyderabad	RCB won by 6 wickets (DL Method)	Virat Kohli’s 44*
April 12, 2016	RCB vs SRH (IPL 2016)	Bangalore	RCB won by 45 runs	AB de Villiers’ 82, Virat Kohli’s 75
May 29, 2016	SRH vs RCB (IPL 2016 Final)	Bangalore	SRH won by 8 runs	David Warner’s 69, Ben Cutting’s all-round performance
April 5, 2017	SRH vs RCB (IPL 2017)	Hyderabad	SRH won by 35 runs	Yuvraj Singh’s 62
April 25, 2017	RCB vs SRH (IPL 2017)	Bangalore	Match abandoned due to rain	–
May 7, 2018	SRH vs RCB (IPL 2018)	Hyderabad	SRH won by 5 runs	Kane Williamson’s 56, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s bowling
May 17, 2018	RCB vs SRH (IPL 2018)	Bangalore	RCB won by 14 runs	AB de Villiers’ 69, Moeen Ali’s all-round performance
March 31, 2019	SRH vs RCB (IPL 2019)	Hyderabad	SRH won by 118 runs	Jonny Bairstow’s 114, David Warner’s 100*
May 4, 2019	RCB vs SRH (IPL 2019)	Bangalore	RCB won by 4 wickets	Shimron Hetmyer’s 75, Gurkeerat Singh’s 65
September 21, 2020	SRH vs RCB (IPL 2020)	Dubai	RCB won by 10 runs	Yuzvendra Chahal’s 3/18, Devdutt Padikkal’s 56
November 6, 2020	SRH vs RCB (IPL 2020 Eliminator)	Abu Dhabi	SRH won by 6 wickets	Kane Williamson’s 50*, Jason Holder’s all-round performance
April 14, 2021	SRH vs RCB (IPL 2021)	Chennai	RCB won by 6 runs	Glenn Maxwell’s 59, Shahbaz Ahmed’s bowling
October 6, 2021	RCB vs SRH (IPL 2021)	Abu Dhabi	SRH won by 4 runs	Kane Williamson’s 31*, Harshal Patel’s 3/33
May 8, 2022	SRH vs RCB (IPL 2022)	Mumbai	RCB won by 67 runs	Faf du Plessis’ 73, Wanindu Hasaranga’s 5/18
May 23, 2022	RCB vs SRH (IPL 2022)	Hyderabad	SRH won by 9 wickets	Rahul Tripathi’s 71, Umran Malik’s bowling
May 18, 2023	SRH vs RCB (IPL 2023)	Hyderabad	RCB won by 8 wickets	Virat Kohli’s 100*, Faf du Plessis’ 71

Introduction

The rivalry between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has been one of the most entertaining and closely followed in the IPL. Both teams have boasted some of the biggest names in cricket, leading to intense and memorable matches over the years. From the inception of SRH in 2013, the encounters between these two franchises have been packed with drama, nail-biting finishes, and standout individual performances.

The Birth of a Rivalry (2013)

Sunrisers Hyderabad made their IPL debut in 2013, replacing the now-defunct Deccan Chargers. Their first-ever encounter with Royal Challengers Bangalore occurred on April 7, 2013. The match, held in Hyderabad, was an absolute thriller that ended in a Super Over, with SRH emerging victorious by just 5 runs. This close contest set the stage for a rivalry that would only grow more intense with each passing season.

The Early Years (2013-2015)

In the early years of this rivalry, both teams displayed fluctuating performances. While RCB had the firepower of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, SRH was building its core around players like David Warner and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The 2014 and 2015 seasons saw RCB dominating SRH in most encounters, with Kohli and de Villiers often leading the charge.

One of the key matches during this period was the rain-affected game on May 15, 2015, where RCB chased down a revised target with ease, thanks to Kohli’s unbeaten 44. The rivalry was intensifying, but SRH was yet to fully establish its dominance.

The Turning Point: IPL 2016 Final

The 2016 season marked a turning point in the SRH vs RCB rivalry. SRH had a stellar season under the leadership of David Warner and reached the final, where they faced off against RCB in Bangalore. In a high-octane match, SRH won by 8 runs, clinching their first-ever IPL title. Warner’s 69 and Ben Cutting’s all-round performance were pivotal in securing this victory.

This final not only gave SRH their maiden title but also solidified the rivalry with RCB as one of the most significant in the IPL.

The Middle Years: Consistent Battles (2017-2019)

The years following the 2016 final saw both teams continue to battle fiercely. The 2017 season included a match that was abandoned due to rain, adding an unusual twist to their rivalry. In 2018, SRH won their home game by 5 runs in a thrilling contest, with Kane Williamson and Bhuvneshwar Kumar playing crucial roles. RCB managed to turn the tables in the return fixture, winning by 14 runs, thanks to AB de Villiers and Moeen Ali.

In 2019, SRH inflicted a heavy defeat on RCB in Hyderabad, winning by 118 runs in a match dominated by Jonny Bairstow and David Warner, both of whom scored centuries. RCB, however, responded by winning the reverse fixture later in the season, with Hetmyer and Gurkeerat Singh leading the charge.

The COVID-19 Era: New Venues, Same Intensity (2020-2021)

The IPL seasons of 2020 and 2021 were held in the UAE and India under bio-bubble restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, the SRH vs RCB rivalry continued to produce thrilling encounters.

In the 2020 season, RCB won their league stage match against SRH by 10 runs, with Yuzvendra Chahal’s 3/18 playing a crucial role. However, SRH got their revenge in the Eliminator, winning by 6 wickets thanks to a composed innings from Kane Williamson and an all-round performance by Jason Holder.

The 2021 season saw both teams securing a win each against the other. RCB won the first match in Chennai by 6 runs, with Glenn Maxwell and Shahbaz Ahmed being the standout performers. SRH returned the favor in the reverse fixture, winning by 4 runs in Abu Dhabi, with Kane Williamson once again leading from the front.

Recent Encounters: Shifting Momentum (2022-2023)

The recent seasons have seen the momentum in the SRH vs RCB rivalry shift back and forth. In 2022, RCB dominated SRH in Mumbai, winning by 67 runs with Faf du Plessis and Wanindu Hasaranga starring in the victory. SRH, however, won the reverse fixture convincingly by 9 wickets, with Rahul Tripathi and Umran Malik making significant contributions.

In the 2023 season, RCB won the only encounter between the two teams by 8 wickets in Hyderabad, with Virat Kohli scoring a brilliant century and Faf du Plessis adding a crucial 71.

Key Players in the Rivalry

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has been the backbone of RCB’s batting lineup for over a decade. His contributions in the matches against SRH have often been pivotal. Kohli’s 93* in the 2013 season, along with his century in 2023, stand out as some of his best performances against SRH. His leadership and consistency with the bat have made him a key figure in this rivalry.

AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers, often referred to as Mr. 360, has been one of the most destructive batsmen in the IPL. His performances against SRH, including his 82* in 2015 and 69 in 2018, have been instrumental in RCB’s victories. De Villiers’ ability to turn games around single-handedly has made him a nightmare for SRH’s bowlers.

David Warner

David Warner, the former SRH captain, has been a thorn in RCB’s side on numerous occasions. His aggressive batting at the top of the order and leadership qualities were crucial in SRH’s IPL title win in 2016. Warner’s consistency and ability to dominate the powerplay overs made him a key player in SRH’s successes against RCB.

Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson has been a calming presence in the SRH lineup. His ability to anchor the innings and guide the team in pressure situations has been invaluable. Williamson’s performances in the 2018 and 2020 seasons, where he led SRH to victories against RCB, highlight his importance in this rivalry.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, SRH’s premier fast bowler, has consistently troubled RCB’s batsmen with his swing and accuracy. His performances, particularly in the 2016 season, where he played a crucial role in SRH’s title win, have been vital in shaping the outcomes of matches against RCB.

Memorable Matches

IPL 2013: The Super Over Thriller

The first-ever encounter between SRH and RCB in 2013 ended in a thrilling Super Over, with SRH emerging victorious. This match is remembered for Dale Steyn’s exceptional bowling in the Super Over, which helped SRH secure a narrow win. It set the tone for the intense rivalry that was to follow.

IPL 2016 Final: SRH’s Maiden Title

The IPL 2016 final between SRH and RCB was one of the most memorable matches in IPL history. SRH, led by David Warner, posted a challenging total of 208/7. RCB, despite a strong start from Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, fell short by 8 runs, handing SRH their first IPL title. Ben Cutting’s all-round performance, including a blistering 39 off 15 balls and crucial wickets, was the highlight of the match.

IPL 2018: A Tale of Two Matches

The 2018 season saw SRH and RCB face off twice in closely contested matches. In the first encounter, SRH defended a modest total of 146, winning by 5 runs in Hyderabad. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s death bowling and Kane Williamson’s captaincy were key to SRH’s win. In the return fixture, RCB turned the tables with a 14-run victory in Bangalore, with AB de Villiers and Moeen Ali playing crucial roles.

IPL 2019: Bairstow and Warner’s Record Partnership

The 2019 season witnessed one of the most destructive batting displays in IPL history, as Jonny Bairstow and David Warner put on a record 185-run opening partnership against RCB. SRH won the match by a massive 118 runs, with Bairstow scoring 114 and Warner 100*. This match highlighted the sheer dominance of SRH’s top order and was a low point for RCB in the rivalry.

IPL 2020 Eliminator: Williamson’s Composure

In the IPL 2020 Eliminator, SRH and RCB faced off in a high-stakes match in Abu Dhabi. RCB posted a below-par total of 131/7, and SRH, despite early setbacks, chased it down with 2 balls to spare. Kane Williamson’s unbeaten 50* anchored the chase, and Jason Holder’s all-round performance was crucial in SRH’s victory. This win knocked RCB out of the tournament and advanced SRH to the Qualifier 2.

Head-to-Head Statistics

As of the 2023 season, SRH and RCB have faced each other 22 times in the IPL. SRH has a slight edge with 12 wins compared to RCB’s 10. The rivalry has been evenly matched, with both teams having periods of dominance.

Win Percentage

• Sunrisers Hyderabad: 54.5%
• Royal Challengers Bangalore: 45.5%

Highest Team Totals

• Sunrisers Hyderabad: 231/2 (vs RCB, IPL 2019)
• Royal Challengers Bangalore: 227/4 (vs SRH, IPL 2016)

Lowest Team Totals

• Sunrisers Hyderabad: 128/7 (vs RCB, IPL 2020)
• Royal Challengers Bangalore: 49 all out (vs SRH, IPL 2017)

Top Run Scorers in the Rivalry

• Virat Kohli (RCB): 647 runs
• David Warner (SRH): 647 runs
• AB de Villiers (RCB): 518 runs

Top Wicket Takers in the Rivalry

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH): 23 wickets
• Yuzvendra Chahal (RCB): 19 wickets

Conclusion

The rivalry between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore has provided cricket fans with some of the most thrilling matches in IPL history. From the inaugural Super Over thriller in 2013 to the intense battles in the playoffs, this rivalry has been defined by close contests, memorable performances, and high drama.

Both teams have had their moments of glory and heartbreak, making this rivalry one of the most intriguing in the IPL. As the IPL continues to evolve, the SRH vs RCB rivalry is sure to produce more exciting chapters, with fans eagerly awaiting each new encounter.