The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline showcases an exciting Indian Premier League rivalry filled with dramatic finishes, explosive batting, memorable playoff matches, and championship-winning performances. Since their first meeting in 2013, both franchises have experienced periods of dominance, with Kolkata Knight Riders generally holding the advantage in their head-to-head record.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are known for their aggressive batting and ability to post huge totals, while Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have built their success around powerful batting, effective spin bowling, and strong performances in important matches. Their rivalry reached a memorable high point in 2024, when KKR defeated SRH in both Qualifier 1 and the IPL final.
SRH vs KKR Head-to-Head Record
Kolkata Knight Riders have historically performed better against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Their record includes regular-season matches, playoff encounters, and the 2024 final.
| Head-to-head statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total matches through May 2026 | 32 |
| KKR wins | 21 |
| SRH wins | 11 |
| First meeting | 14 April 2013 |
| Latest meeting | 3 May 2026 |
| IPL finals contested | 1 |
| IPL final wins for KKR | 1 |
The overall win count follows a head-to-head summary that credits Kolkata with the Super Over victory in the tied 2020 match.
KKR’s advantage reflects their consistency across multiple IPL seasons. However, SRH have recorded several impressive victories, including high-scoring wins and dominant playoff performances.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline: Season by Season
The following timeline highlights important results and turning points in the rivalry.
| IPL season | Key result |
|---|---|
| 2013 | The teams began their rivalry, splitting their two league matches. |
| 2014 | KKR won both league encounters. |
| 2015 | The teams shared the victories. |
| 2016 | KKR and SRH met three times, including the playoff stage; SRH won the Eliminator. |
| 2017 | KKR won the Eliminator by seven wickets after the teams exchanged league victories. |
| 2018 | SRH defeated KKR in Qualifier 2 and advanced to the final. |
| 2019 | The teams shared their two league matches. |
| 2020 | KKR won the second encounter in a Super Over after their first match had also gone their way. |
| 2021 | KKR won both league matches. |
| 2022 | The teams recorded one victory each. |
| 2023 | SRH won one match, while KKR won the other. |
| 2024 | KKR won all three meetings, including Qualifier 1 and the IPL final. |
| 2025 | The teams shared their two matches, with both sides recording a dominant victory. |
| 2026 | SRH won the first encounter by 65 runs, while KKR won the return match by seven wickets. |
This history demonstrates that KKR have generally enjoyed the stronger overall record, but SRH have repeatedly shown that they can dominate individual games and compete deep into the playoffs.
The Early Years: 2013–2015
2013: The rivalry begins
Sunrisers Hyderabad entered the IPL in 2013, replacing the Deccan Chargers. Their first meeting with Kolkata Knight Riders took place on 14 April 2013.
KKR won that match by 48 runs, establishing an early advantage. SRH responded in the return fixture on 19 May, winning by five wickets.
The teams finished their first season with one win each, setting the stage for a competitive rivalry.
2014: Kolkata establish control
KKR won both league encounters against SRH in 2014. These victories contributed to Kolkata’s strong season, which culminated in their second IPL championship.
The results demonstrated KKR’s ability to combine reliable batting with effective bowling. SRH struggled to overcome Kolkata’s plans in those meetings.
2015: The teams share the victories
The rivalry became more balanced in 2015, with both sides recording a win. KKR won one match by 35 runs, while SRH won the other by 16 runs.
These results highlighted the influence of match conditions and individual performances. Neither team was able to secure a clean sweep.
SRH vs KKR Timeline: The Playoff Era, 2016–2018
The 2016–2018 period was particularly important because the teams met in high-pressure knockout matches.
2016: Sunrisers Hyderabad win the Eliminator
SRH and KKR met three times in the 2016 season, including the Eliminator. Kolkata won two of the encounters, while Hyderabad won the knockout match by 22 runs.
The Eliminator victory was crucial for SRH’s campaign. It helped them progress through the playoffs and ultimately win their first IPL title.
The match demonstrated that SRH could defeat an experienced opponent when the stakes were high.
2017: Kolkata win the Eliminator
The teams met again in the playoffs in 2017. After exchanging victories during the league stage, KKR defeated SRH by seven wickets in the Eliminator.
The result ended Hyderabad’s campaign and reinforced Kolkata’s reputation as a competitive playoff team.
2018: Hyderabad advance to the final
In 2018, SRH defeated KKR by 14 runs in Qualifier 2 at Eden Gardens. The victory was especially significant because it came at Kolkata’s home venue.
SRH’s performance helped them reach the final, where they eventually finished as runners-up. The match remains one of the important playoff results in the rivalry.
The Middle Years: 2019–2023
2019: Both teams record a win
The 2019 season produced one victory for each side. SRH won their home fixture by nine wickets, while KKR won the other meeting by six wickets.
The contrasting results illustrated how home conditions and the form of top-order batters can influence this matchup.
2020: A Super Over finish
One of the most memorable matches between the teams occurred in October 2020. Their encounter ended in a tie, and KKR won the subsequent Super Over.
Super Over finishes are particularly dramatic because each team gets a short opportunity to score more runs than its opponent. The result gave Kolkata an important victory in a tightly contested game.
2021: KKR win both matches
KKR won both league encounters against SRH in 2021. Their victories helped them maintain a strong position in the head-to-head record.
Kolkata’s ability to restrict Hyderabad’s scoring and execute their batting plans was central to the results.
2022: The teams split the matches
SRH defeated KKR by seven wickets in their first meeting of the 2022 season. Kolkata responded in the return match with a 54-run victory.
The two results demonstrated the contrasting ways these teams can win: Hyderabad through a successful chase and Kolkata through a convincing all-round performance.
2023: Hyderabad produce a big win
The teams exchanged victories in 2023. SRH won their April meeting by 23 runs after posting a substantial total, while KKR won the return match by five runs.
The close finish in the second encounter showed that the rivalry remained competitive even when the overall head-to-head record favoured Kolkata.
The 2024 Season: KKR Dominate SRH
The 2024 IPL season was a defining chapter in this rivalry. KKR defeated SRH in all three of their meetings, including two matches in the playoffs.
League-stage match: KKR win by four runs
On 23 March 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders scored 208/7 at Eden Gardens. Sunrisers Hyderabad responded with 204/7, leaving KKR with a narrow four-run victory.
The result was a dramatic start to the season for both teams. SRH came close to completing the chase, but Kolkata held their nerve in the final overs.
Qualifier 1: KKR win by eight wickets
The teams met again in Qualifier 1 on 21 May 2024. SRH scored 159, but KKR chased the target comfortably, finishing on 164/2 in 13.4 overs.
The eight-wicket victory sent Kolkata directly into the final and put Hyderabad under pressure to win the second playoff opportunity.
IPL final: Kolkata become champions
The final took place on 26 May 2024 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. SRH were dismissed for 113, while KKR reached 114/2 to win by eight wickets.
Kolkata’s bowling attack restricted Hyderabad’s aggressive batting lineup, and their batters completed the chase with ease.
The victory gav
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