Dale Steyn’s audacious prediction back on April 17, 2025, that the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) could reach 300 runs in an IPL 2025 match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium never materialized, as SRH were only able to post 162/5, which MI chased down easily. Steyn, on social media platform X, humorously retracted, saying that maybe the combined scores would reach 300 instead. Today (April 23, 2025), SRH will again take on MI, this time at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. While Steyn did not explicitly predict the 300-run mark again for this match, SRH has an explosive batting group—namely Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, and Ishan Kishan - so there is always the enjoyment of the prediction. Also, SRH have four of the top team totals in IPL history, and earlier this season, they were able to score 286/6 against the Rajasthan Royals and scored 277/3 against MI in 2024, so chasing down a significant total is possible.

That being said, it is still difficult to reach the 300-run mark. No IPL team has ever scored 300 runs. The closest was SRH's 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2024. While Hyderabad's pitch is known to produce high scores (for example, SRH's 286/6), it's not as batter-friendly as Wankhede's flat surface, and it does not have the short boundaries. SRH's recent run of form has been inconsistent; their 162/5 tally at Wankhede indicated a slow start (76/2 in 10.1 overs) to their innings, although their chase to 246 against Punjab Kings hints at some batting recovery. MI's bowling, led by Jasprit Bumrah, performed with discipline last time, and they will be able to restrict SRH's momentum again, given they already have the inside information on this opponent. 

SRH’s Batting Firepower and Home Advantage

Batting depth is SRH's most valuable weapon. Head and Sharma's ability to attack at the start, okay, along with the devastation caused by Klaasen in recent matches, means that they can dismantle any bowling attack. Their innings against Hyderabad shows what 286/6 would revive for runs at that venue. If SRH have a strong start in batting (80+ runs) and lose few wickets, then they should be on track to foot it with MI at 300, depending on whether MI's second-string bowlers allow the batting free flow. Playing in familiar conditions also adds to their memory, where they have been stronger in recent times.  

“A small prediction. On April 17, we will see the first 300 runs in the IPL. Who knows, maybe I will also be there to see it,” Steyn’s tweet read.

Small prediction.
April 17 we’ll see the first 300 in IPL.

Who knows, I might even be there to see it happen.

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 23, 2025

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MI's bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah have been a challenge for SRH in recent history.  Last time, MI restricted SRH perfectly, and Bumrah and Pandya took early wickets that limited their batting effort. Achieving 300 runs essentially means they will have to score and maintain a run rate of 15 per over, which is something that has never been seen in an IPL season. SRH's struggles away from home and MI's tactical nous make the prospect of 300 runs unlikely to be explored.  If all of SRH's heavy hitters can bat consistently, we could see them achieve the expected 250+ score.