Heinrich Klaasen's blazing century lifts Sunrisers to record-breaking win over KKR

With both sides already eliminated from playoff contention, Klaasen ensured the Sunrisers ended their campaign on a high. Promoted to number three, the South African wicketkeeper-batter smashed an unbeaten 105 off just 39 balls - an innings laced with seven fours and nine towering sixes - as Hyderabad posted a staggering 278 for 3, the third-highest total in IPL history.

Travis Head laid the platform with a ferocious 76 off 40 deliveries, sharing a 92-run opening stand with Abhishek Sharma (32) in just 6.4 overs. Head then added 83 with Klaasen in a partnership that completely deflated the Kolkata attack. The onslaught continued even after Head fell to Sunil Narine, with Klaasen and Ishan Kishan finishing the innings in emphatic fashion.

Klaasen reached his century in just 37 balls, equalling the third-fastest IPL hundred - a mark only bettered by Chris Gayle's iconic 30-ball ton in 2013 and Vaibhav Suryavanshi's 35-ball effort earlier this season.

"We've had a long season of ups and downs," Klaasen said post-match. "I stuck to my processes, and it's good to find form at the end. Credit to the franchise for backing this brand of cricket - we owed it to them to finish strong."

The Sunrisers have now registered four of the top five team totals in IPL history, including the tournament's highest-ever score of 287 for 3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru last season, and 286 for 6 against Rajasthan Royals earlier this year.

Kolkata Knight Riders, last year's champions, crumbled under scoreboard pressure and were dismissed for 168 in 18.4 overs. Manish Pandey top-scored with 37, but none of the batters managed to mount a serious challenge. The defeat capped off a disappointing campaign for KKR, who finished eighth on the table with just five wins.

Captain Ajinkya Rahane struck a reflective tone after the match. "No regrets. We didn't play our best cricket, but we take the positives and come back stronger next year," he said.

Sunrisers' bowling unit rounded off the dominant display with three wickets apiece from Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, and impact substitute Harsh Dubey.

Hyderabad end the season with six wins and seven losses, but Sunday's performance was a reminder of their explosive potential - and what might have been.