Introduction: A Fierce Clash of Titans in the IPL Arena
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a stage for high-octane cricketing rivalries, and few have evolved with as much drama and unpredictability as the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings timeline. Since their first encounter in 2013, these two franchises have delivered nail-biting finishes, explosive batting performances, and game-changing bowling spells that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. While Sunrisers Hyderabad, known for their disciplined bowling and structured batting, have often relied on consistency and tactical acumen, Punjab Kings—formerly Kings XI Punjab—have been the embodiment of flair, aggression, and unpredictability. The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings timeline is not just a record of wins and losses; it’s a chronicle of evolving strategies, rising stars, and unforgettable moments that have shaped the IPL narrative over more than a decade.
From David Warner’s blistering centuries to KL Rahul’s elegant yet destructive knocks, from Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s pinpoint yorkers to Rashid Khan’s magical leg-spin, this rivalry has featured some of the biggest names in modern T20 cricket. The head-to-head contests have often swung on the edge of a boundary or a last-over thriller, making the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings clashes must-watch events. As we delve deep into the complete timeline, head-to-head records, standout performances, and memorable encounters, this article offers a comprehensive analysis of one of the most dynamic rivalries in IPL history. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a cricket analyst, the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings timeline is a story worth exploring in full detail.
Table of Contents
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings: Year-by-Year Timeline (2013–2025)
| 2013 | 2 | 0 | 2 | PBKS win both matches; SRH lose debut season opener by 15 runs |
| 2014 | 2 | 1 | 1 | SRH win first-ever H2H; Warner scores 91* |
| 2015 | 2 | 2 | 0 | SRH dominate; Warner & Smith lead the charge |
| 2016 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Maxwell’s 73* in chase; SRH win via D/L |
| 2017 | 2 | 2 | 0 | SRH qualify for playoffs; Rashid Khan takes 4/11 |
| 2018 | 2 | 1 | 1 | KL Rahul scores 80; SRH defend 155 in thriller |
| 2019 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Warner’s 85; Pooran’s 89* in losing cause |
| 2020 | 2 | 2 | 0 | SRH sweep in UAE; Bairstow 85, Rashid 4/26 |
| 2021 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Shikhar Dhawan 72; Cummins takes 4 wickets |
| 2022 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Kane Williamson 70*; SRH win by 30+ runs both times |
| 2023 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Jitesh Sharma 51*; SRH win last-ball thriller |
| 2024 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Mayank Agarwal 94; Abdul Samad 68* |
| 2025 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Travis Head 101; Kagiso Rabada 4/19 |
Season-by-Season Timeline Explanation
2013: The Inaugural Clash – Punjab Kings Dominate SRH’s Debut Season
The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings timeline began in 2013, a year that marked the debut of Sunrisers Hyderabad after the Deccan Chargers were disbanded. Entering the IPL as a new franchise, SRH faced an uphill battle against established teams, and Punjab Kings—then known as Kings XI Punjab—proved to be a tough opponent right from the start. In their first-ever meeting on April 13, 2013, at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, PBKS posted a competitive 165/6, powered by David Hussey’s 45 and Manpreet Gony’s late cameo. In reply, SRH struggled to 150/9, with Cameron White top-scoring with 46. The Kings won by 15 runs, setting the tone for a difficult debut season for Hyderabad.
The second encounter came on May 5 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. PBKS, led by Adam Gilchrist, posted 155/7, with David Warner (then playing for PBKS) scoring 43. SRH’s chase faltered again, ending at 143/8. Azhar Mahmood and Praveen Kumar shared five wickets between them, sealing a 12-run victory. PBKS swept the season series 2–0, establishing early dominance. These losses were a wake-up call for SRH, who would spend the next few years rebuilding their squad and strategy. The 2013 season, though forgettable for SRH, laid the foundation for a rivalry that would grow in intensity and significance in the years to come.
2014: SRH’s First Victory – Warner’s Masterclass Ignites the Rivalry
The 2014 season marked a turning point in the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings timeline, as SRH finally broke their duck against PBKS. The first match between the two sides took place on April 26 at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium. SRH, chasing 156, were in trouble at 64/4 when David Warner—now playing for SRH after moving from PBKS—stepped up with a breathtaking 91* off 57 balls. His innings, laced with 11 fours and 4 sixes, guided SRH to a six-wicket win with 6 balls to spare. This was not only SRH’s first win over PBKS but also a symbolic moment, as Warner outshone his former teammates.
The return fixture on May 14 in Hyderabad saw PBKS post 164/7, thanks to Virender Sehwag’s 52. SRH’s chase was anchored by Shikhar Dhawan (57) and Darren Sammy (36*), helping them reach the target with 5 wickets and 4 balls in hand. SRH won the season series 2–0, a significant improvement from the previous year. Warner’s switch from PBKS to SRH added a personal edge to the rivalry, and his performances became a recurring theme in future encounters. The 2014 season was pivotal in shifting the momentum toward SRH, signaling their emergence as a competitive force in the IPL.
2015: Sunrisers Hyderabad Take Control
2015 was a dominant year for SRH in the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings timeline, as they won both encounters against PBKS. The first match, on April 18 in Mohali, saw SRH post 172/6, with David Warner (58) and Shikhar Dhawan (47) laying a solid foundation. PBKS’ chase was derailed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 3/29, and despite Wriddhiman Saha’s 46*, they fell short by 14 runs.
The second match, on May 17 in Hyderabad, was a more clinical performance. SRH scored 186/4, with Warner (69) and Moises Henriques (48*) accelerating in the death overs. PBKS, in reply, collapsed to 147/9, with Karn Sharma taking 3/21. SRH won by 39 runs, completing a season sweep. This year marked the rise of SRH’s bowling attack, particularly Bhuvneshwar and Dale Steyn, who consistently outperformed PBKS’ batting lineup. The 2–0 record gave SRH psychological dominance, and PBKS began to struggle with consistency in their batting department. The 2015 season solidified SRH’s reputation as a team built on balance and execution.
2016: A Balanced Contest with Maxwell’s Heroics
The 2016 season brought a more competitive edge to the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings timeline, with each team winning one match. The first clash, on April 22 in Hyderabad, saw SRH post 171/4, led by Shikhar Dhawan’s 68 and Warner’s 48. PBKS’ response was anchored by Glenn Maxwell, who smashed 73* off 41 balls, guiding his team to a 6-wicket win with 4 balls remaining. His explosive knock, including 5 sixes, was a reminder of PBKS’ firepower.
The return fixture on May 15 in Mohali was affected by rain. SRH scored 132/7 in 16 overs, with Warner contributing 43. PBKS’ chase was cut short at 73/4 in 11 overs, and SRH won via the D/L method. This split result highlighted the unpredictability of T20 cricket and showed that PBKS could challenge SRH on their day. Maxwell’s performance stood out as a beacon of hope for PBKS fans, while SRH’s ability to win under D/L conditions showcased their adaptability. The 2016 season was a transitional year, with both teams experimenting with lineups ahead of bigger changes.
2017: SRH’s Bowling Prowess Shines
2017 was another strong year for SRH in the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings timeline, as they won both matches. The first game, on May 1 in Hyderabad, saw SRH restrict PBKS to 143/9, with Rashid Khan taking a stunning 4/11 in 4 overs. In reply, Warner (50) and Manish Pandey (50*) guided SRH to a 6-wicket win with 17 balls left.
The second match, on May 14 in Dharamsala, was a low-scoring thriller. PBKS posted 131/9, with KL Rahul scoring 54. SRH reached the target in 18.4 overs, thanks to Deepak Hooda’s 46* and Bhuvneshwar’s 2/18. SRH’s bowling attack, led by Rashid and Bhuvneshwar, was once again the difference. This season marked the peak of SRH’s bowling dominance, and their ability to defend modest totals became a hallmark. PBKS, despite individual efforts, lacked depth in their batting and bowling, making them vulnerable against structured teams like SRH.
2018: A Tight Season with KL Rahul’s Rise
The 2018 season saw a 1–1 split in the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings timeline, with both matches being closely contested. The first game, on April 8 in Hyderabad, saw PBKS post 187/6, powered by KL Rahul’s 80 off 50 balls. SRH’s chase was derailed by Andrew Tye’s 3/25, and they fell short by 15 runs.
The return fixture on May 2 in Mohali was a different story. SRH posted 155/7, with Yusuf Pathan scoring 42. PBKS needed 12 off the final over, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar defended it brilliantly, conceding only 6. SRH won by 5 runs in a last-over thriller. This match exemplified SRH’s nerve under pressure and Bhuvneshwar’s death-bowling mastery. KL Rahul’s emergence as a key player for PBKS added a new dimension to the rivalry, and his consistent performances would become a focal point in future clashes.
2019: Warner’s Return and Pooran’s Fireworks
2019 saw another 1–1 split, with both teams showcasing explosive batting. The first match, on March 24 in Vizag, saw SRH post 181/3, with David Warner (85 off 53) returning from suspension in style. PBKS’ chase was led by Nicholas Pooran’s 89* off 43, but they fell short by 10 runs despite his heroics.
The second game, on April 27 in Mohali, saw PBKS post 178/6, with Chris Gayle smashing 84 off 43. SRH’s chase was anchored by Jonny Bairstow (79 off 54), and they won with 2 balls to spare. This season highlighted the importance of power-hitters and the fine margins that decide T20 games. Pooran’s knock, though in a losing cause, announced his arrival as a finisher, while Warner reaffirmed his status as SRH’s talisman.
2020: SRH’s UAE Dominance
In the bio-secure UAE season, SRH swept both matches against PBKS. The first game, on September 25 in Dubai, saw SRH post 172/5, with Bairstow scoring 85. PBKS were bowled out for 125, with Rashid Khan taking 4/26.
The second match, on November 1 in Sharjah, was a tighter contest. SRH scored 172/5 again, and PBKS fell short by 20 runs despite Mayank Agarwal’s 69. SRH’s bowling, especially Rashid and Siddarth Kaul, was too strong. The 2–0 sweep reinforced SRH’s superiority in overseas conditions and exposed PBKS’ inconsistency.
2021–2025: Evolving Rivalry with New Stars
From 2021 to 2025, the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings timeline remained fiercely competitive. In 2021, Shikhar Dhawan (72) and Pat Cummins (4/15) starred in split results. 2022 saw SRH dominate with Kane Williamson’s leadership and Abdul Samad’s cameos. 2023 featured a last-ball thriller won by SRH, while 2024 and 2025 saw rising stars like Travis Head (101 in 2025) and Jitesh Sharma (51* in 2023) making impacts. The rivalry evolved with new captains, strategies, and young talents, keeping the contest fresh and unpredictable.
SRH vs PBKS Head-to-Head Record (Overall Stats)
As of the end of IPL 2025, the overall head-to-head record between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings stands at SRH: 14 wins, PBKS: 10 wins in 24 encounters. SRH holds a clear advantage, having won 58.3% of the matches. The average first-innings score in these games is 167, with SRH posting the highest total of 212/6 in 2022 and PBKS’ best being 206/5 in 2021. The lowest totals include PBKS’ 104 all out in 2017 and SRH’s 112 in 2013. Toss decisions have been evenly split, but teams batting first have won 13 out of 24 matches, indicating a slight advantage in setting targets. The margin of victory has often been narrow, with 7 matches decided in the final over and 3 via D/L method. These stats underscore the competitive nature of the rivalry, where even small errors can prove costly.
Memorable Matches Between SRH and PBKS
One of the most unforgettable clashes came in 2018 in Mohali, where PBKS needed 12 off the final over bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. With Nicholas Pooran on strike, the tension was palpable. Bhuvneshwar delivered a perfect sequence—dot, single, single, dot, six, four—leaving PBKS needing 2 off the last ball. A single was taken, and SRH won by 5 runs. Another iconic match was in 2019, when Nicholas Pooran’s 89* almost single-handedly chased down 182, only to fall short by 10 runs. The 2023 last-ball thriller, where Abdul Samad hit a six off Arshdeep Singh to win it, is etched in fans’ memories. These matches exemplify the drama and unpredictability that define the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings timeline.
Top Performers (Batsmen and Bowlers)
Top Batsmen:
- David Warner (SRH): 654 runs in 18 matches, including 3 fifties and 1 century (126* in 2017).
- KL Rahul (PBKS): 543 runs, with 5 fifties and a best of 132* in 2020.
- Shikhar Dhawan (SRH): 487 runs, known for his consistent starts.
- Mayank Agarwal (PBKS): 412 runs, including a 94 in 2024.
Top Bowlers:
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH): 22 wickets, best figures 4/15, renowned for death overs.
- Rashid Khan (SRH): 18 wickets, including a 4/11 spell in 2017.
- Andrew Tye (PBKS): 14 wickets, with 3/25 in 2018.
- Kagiso Rabada (PBKS): 12 wickets, including 4/19 in 2025.
These players have repeatedly influenced the outcome of matches, making them central figures in the rivalry.
Recent Encounters (2024 & 2025 IPL)
In 2024, the two teams split their matches. In the first game, Mayank Agarwal’s 94 nearly guided PBKS to victory, but Abdul Samad’s 68* ensured SRH won by 5 wickets. The second match saw PBKS win by 7 wickets, with Prabhsimran Singh scoring 76. In 2025, Travis Head announced his arrival with a stunning 101 off 58, leading SRH to 198/4. PBKS fought back with Shashank Singh’s 77, but Kagiso Rabada’s 4/19 sealed a 15-run win for SRH. These recent clashes show that both teams are investing in young talent while maintaining core experience, ensuring the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings timeline remains vibrant and competitive.
Rivalry Records: Milestones and Achievements
- Highest Team Total: SRH – 212/6 (2022, Hyderabad)
- Lowest Team Total: PBKS – 104 all out (2017, Hyderabad)
- Highest Individual Score: David Warner – 126* (2017)
- Best Bowling Figures: Rashid Khan – 4/11 (2017), Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 4/15 (2018)
- Most Sixes in a Match: 18 (SRH vs PBKS, 2021)
- Fastest Fifty: KL Rahul – 18 balls (2020)
- Most Catches in H2H: David Warner – 12
- Most Man of the Match Awards: David Warner – 4
These records reflect the explosive nature of the rivalry and the individual brilliance that has defined it.
Conclusion: The Future of the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings Rivalry
The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings timeline is more than just a statistical record—it’s a narrative of resilience, evolution, and passion. From SRH’s early struggles to their rise as a bowling powerhouse, and from PBKS’ flamboyant batting to their quest for consistency, this rivalry has mirrored the changing dynamics of T20 cricket. With young stars emerging and legends passing the torch, the future of SRH vs PBKS clashes looks brighter than ever. As both franchises continue to rebuild and innovate, fans can expect more last-over thrillers, record-breaking knocks, and unforgettable moments. The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings timeline is far from over; in fact, it’s entering a new, exciting chapter. Whether in Hyderabad, Mohali, or neutral venues, every encounter promises fireworks, making it one of the most anticipated fixtures in the IPL calendar.
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