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On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Heinrich Klaasen of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) broke the record for the fastest century in Indian Premier League (IPL) history with a grand display of power hitting at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Fans were in awe of his 41-ball century against the Rajasthan Royals, which propelled SRH to a commanding lead going into the playoffs.
When Klaasen came in to bat in the ninth over, with SRH struggling at 62/3, he wasted no time in changing the course of the match with a bold and aggressive approach. Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Avesh Khan were among the Royals' strong bowling attack. Klaasen responded with a barrage of sixes and boundaries.
He reached his fifty off just 21 balls and continued the onslaught with even greater intensity. His century came off only 41 deliveries, beating David Warner's 43-ball hundred in 2017 to become the fastest centurion in SRH history. Morevover, Klaasen scored 112 off 48 balls, which included nine tall sixes and seven fours.
Klaasen's innings demonstrated his use of force,risk taking capability and his capacity to read the minds of his opponents. He made sure the run rate never dropped by rotating the strike well between the boundaries. The innings' high point came in the 19th over, being bowled by Avesh Khan and saw Klaasen smash 24 runs, including three sixes over the deep square leg and mid-wicket.
it was due to his knock that SRH posted a commanding total of 213/6 in their 20 overs, a score that ultimately proved too much for Rajasthan Royals.
SRH captain Pat Cummins at the post match presentation was full of praise for the South African batter. "It was a special knock. We've seen Klaasy do it before, but today he took it to another level. The way he read the game situation and accelerated was just perfect," said Cummins.
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson admitted they were outplayed. "Sometimes you just have to applaud such an innings. Our bowlers tried everything, but Klaasen was simply too good today," Samson commented.
It was just the right time for Klaasen's explosive knock. With this win, SRH increased their chances of finishing in the top two of the league, giving them two chances to go to the championship game. Klaasen's form heading into the knockout stage will be very helpful to the Hyderabad team that has been competing for its second IPL title.
Klaasen, being in terrific form throughout IPL 2025, now has over 450 runs this season with a strike rate exceeding 170. His consistency in the middle order and ability to accelerate at the death make him one of the most feared batters in the league.
Heinrich Klaasen's Stats vs Rajasthan Royals (May 25, 2025):
Runs: 112 (48 balls);
4s: 7 | 6s: 9;
Strike Rate: 233.33;
Reached 100 in just 41 balls (Fastest for SRH in IPL history)
