IPL 2013 Debut Match: SRH vs DD
The night orange and blue ignited Hyderabad, securing a dramatic debut win against Delhi.
The inaugural match of Sunrisers Hyderabad, played on April 6, 2013, against Delhi Daredevils at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Uppal, marked a historic turning point for the franchise. As the new entrants replacing Deccan Chargers, the team faced immense pressure to establish an identity immediately. This match was not just a game but a statement of intent, showcasing a blend of youthful exuberance and experienced leadership that would define their early years.
- Event
- IPL 2013 Season Opener
- Venue
- Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad
- Opponent
- Delhi Daredevils (DD)
- Result
- Sunrisers Hyderabad won by 8 wickets
- Man of the Match
- David Warner
- Key Record
- First-ever victory for the SRH franchise
Lore & Background
The narrative of the game was defined by David Warner's explosive arrival. As an uncapped Australian sensation at the time, his performance signaled that SRH would be a team built on aggressive batting. The chase was fraught with tension as Delhi set a competitive target, but the Hyderabad crowd roared louder with every boundary hit by Warner and the steady accumulation of runs by the middle order. This victory cemented the bond between the fans and their new team.
In Their Own Story
The humid air of Uppal crackled with anticipation as the lights flickered on over the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The crowd, a sea of orange, held its breath as David Warner walked to the crease, the weight of a city's hope on his shoulders. He didn't just play; he exploded, sending the ball soaring into the night sky, turning a tentative debut into a roaring celebration that echoed through the streets of Hyderabad long after the final wicket fell.
Reader's Guide
The match began with Delhi Daredevils batting first, setting a challenging target for the new franchise. Sunrisers' openers faced immediate pressure but managed to stabilize the innings early on. David Warner was the undisputed star, playing a blistering knock that dismantled the Delhi bowling attack. His aggressive stroke play set the tone for the chase, ensuring SRH never trailed significantly in terms of run rate. The atmosphere at the stadium was palpable, with fans chanting and creating an intimidating environment for the visitors. As Warner reached his fifty and then accelerated towards a century, the crowd's energy reached a fever pitch, making it clear that Hyderabad had found its new team.
Did You Know?
- This match marked the first time David Warner played in the IPL under the Sunrisers Hyderabad banner.
- The victory was secured with several overs to spare, highlighting the dominance of SRH's batting lineup from day one.
- It was the only time in 2013 that Delhi Daredevils lost by such a comfortable margin in their opening game.