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Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad have faced each other 14 times so far in the VIVO Indian Premier League, playing out some nail biting encounters in the past. The team from the south narrowly edge the head-to-head record against the Shers, but Kings XI Punjab have had their fair share of memorable moments. 

KXIP’s players have starred in a few match-winning knocks against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the past. While there have been many noteworthy performances, here’s a look at our top three. 

Gayle’s record clinching ton

The Universe Boss has been one of the Indian Premier League right from its inception in 2008, claiming many records in the competition. One record that eluded Chris Gayle however was the most centuries in the IPL accolade. He was tied with Virat Kohli with five tons, but on April 19, 2018, Gayle outdid his former teammate as he got a record sixth IPL century.

The West Indian opener made light work of the SRH bowlers, who were clobbered all round the park at a packed IS Bindra Stadium. Rashid Khan felt the full wrath of the Gaylestorm that day, as he was hit for six maximums in his spell. Gayle played some of his trademark pulls and lofted drives, scoring 70 of his 104 runs in fours and sixes. The Universe Boss smashed 11 sixes on the night, remaining unbeaten in a crucial game for KXIP and inspiring this quiz. 

Rajpoot destroys the SRH top-order

Playing in his maiden IPL season, pacer Ankit Rajpoot didn’t need too long to get going when he came up against a daunting batting lineup of Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in 2018. The lanky pacer completely decimated the home side’s top-order, deceiving SRH skipper Kane Williamson with his extra pace in his very first over.

Rajpoot went on to claim the wickets of Shikhar Dhawan, Manish Pandey, Wriddhiman Saha and Mohammed Nabi. The pacer ended with figures of 5/14, which remains the best bowling performance by a KXIP player to date, and also remains the best bowling figures by an uncapped player in the history of the Indian Premier League. Despite his team ending on the losing side, Rajpoot was named as the man of the match for his lethal pace bowling display. 

Maxwell’s carnage blows away SRH 

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell had hit a purple patch of sorts during the 2014 VIVO Indian Premier League. After scores of 95 and 89 against Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, Maxwell was primed for another big score against SRH, and he did not disappoint. 

The KXIP openers laid the foundation for the team with a 50 run partnership, allowing Maxwell to go berserk. Despite facing the likes of Irfan Pathan, Amit Mishra and Dale Steyn, the Australian batsman made light work of them, smashing some effortless sixes. Mishra felt the full force of him, being hit for four sixes. Glenn Maxwell ended with 95 runs off just 43 balls, helping Kings XI Punjab to a comfortable third straight win in the group stages of the 2014 IPL. 

Alongside these three, there have been several other players in KXIP colours who have done the team proud against Sunrisers Hyderabad. KL Rahul, Lakshmipathy Balaji, David Miller etc. have all made vital contributions for the Shers in past clashes. 

What are your favourite KXIP memories against Sunrisers Hyderabad? Do let us know in the comments below.