IPL Flashback: On This Day in 2016, Sunrisers Hyderabad Clinched Their First IPL Title by Defeating RCB
A Historic Night: SRH Outclass RCB in the IPL 2016 Final
On May 29, 2016, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) etched their name into the history books by claiming their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a heart-stopping final by just eight runs. The match, held at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, delivered one of the most dramatic finales the IPL has ever witnessed.
Despite RCB boasting a fearsome batting lineup featuring Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers, it was David Warner’s gritty SRH unit that came out on top in a battle that swung till the final overs.
From Deccan Chargers to Sunrisers: The Team’s Rise
Sunrisers Hyderabad was introduced into the IPL in 2013, replacing the Deccan Chargers, who played from 2008 to 2012. Though SRH took time to settle into the league, their performance in 2016 was nothing short of spectacular.
That season marked the first time they reached the final—and they made it count. Their journey was not smooth, but their determination and teamwork turned them into champions.
League Stage Struggles and Resurgence
SRH began IPL 2016 on a shaky note, losing their opening two games—first to RCB and then to KKR. However, under David Warner’s inspiring leadership, the team bounced back with renewed energy, winning seven out of their next ten games.
League Stage Summary:
- Total Matches: 14
- Wins: 8
- Losses: 6
- Points: 16
- Position: 3rd in the points table (behind RCB due to Net Run Rate)
Warner’s aggressive batting at the top and a lethal pace attack led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave SRH a competitive edge.
The Road to the Final: A Playoff Masterclass
Unlike most IPL seasons, the 2016 playoffs were dominated by the third-placed SRH, who went on a dream run by winning three consecutive knockout games—a rare feat in IPL history.
🔹 Eliminator vs Kolkata Knight Riders:
SRH posted 162/8, powered by Yuvraj Singh’s 44 and Moises Henriques’ 31. They then defended the target brilliantly, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar picking up 3 wickets and Henriques bagging 2, restricting KKR to 140/8.
🔹 Qualifier 2 vs Gujarat Lions:
Chasing 162, David Warner remained unbeaten on 93, guiding his team to a four-wicket win. His knock was considered one of the best under pressure in IPL playoffs.
The Grand Finale: David vs Goliath
🏏 SRH Innings:
Batting first, SRH posted a daunting total of 208/7. Contributions came from:
- David Warner: 69 off 38
- Ben Cutting: A blistering 39* off 15 balls in the death overs
- Yuvraj Singh: 38 off 23
Cutting’s late fireworks propelled SRH beyond the 200-mark. He later turned out to be the game-changer with the ball too.
🏏 RCB’s Chase:
RCB started strong with a 114-run opening stand between:
- Chris Gayle: 76 off 38
- Virat Kohli: 54 off 35
However, a middle-order collapse saw the likes of de Villiers (5), KL Rahul (11), and Shane Watson (11) fall cheaply. SRH’s bowlers tightened their grip in the death overs.
RCB ended at 200/7, falling agonizingly short by 8 runs.
Match-Winning Performances
🏅 Player of the Match: Ben Cutting
- Batting: 39* (15)
- Bowling: 2 wickets
🎯 Bowling Highlights:
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Leading wicket-taker of the tournament
- Mustafizur Rahman: Lethal with his cutters and yorkers
Their calculated death bowling proved pivotal in SRH defending the total.
Legacy of the 2016 IPL Final
The 2016 IPL final is remembered as:
- SRH’s maiden IPL triumph
- The third instance of RCB finishing as runners-up (after 2009 and 2011)
- A playoff campaign where the top two teams didn’t win the trophy
- A tactical masterstroke by SRH’s support staff and leadership
SRH carried the momentum from this victory into future seasons, reaching the final again in 2018 and 2024, although they couldn’t replicate their title-winning feat.
Where Are They Now? (2025 Context)
- David Warner has become one of IPL’s all-time leading run scorers.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains a key player for India and SRH.
- RCB, despite boasting superstars, are still in search of their first IPL title as of 2025.
Conclusion
The IPL 2016 final wasn’t just a cricket match; it was a story of resilience, strategy, and fearless cricket. Sunrisers Hyderabad, once considered underdogs, outshone a star-studded RCB team to write history on this very day—May 29, 2016. As fans look back, that thrilling 8-run win continues to be a moment of pride for SRH supporters and a classic IPL memory for all cricket lovers.
