It is not often Australians get into a verbal spat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. On April 12, bizarre scenes unfolded at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Travis Head got into heated argument with Punjab Kings' (PBKS) Glenn Maxwell. In-between overs, Marcus Stoinis tried to intervene along with the umpire but Head was fired up in the high-scoring run chase.
The incident took place in the ninth over when Head hit off-spinner Maxwell for two consecutive sixes. The ball had went missing for a while in the crowd as Head sent one close to the 'Player of the series' car. On the next ball, Head and Maxwell exchanged a few words. Maxwell bowled another dot delivery to complete the over.
While Head walked up to his opening partner Abhishek Sharma, he exchanged a few words with Maxwell. The umpire intervened and then Stoinis tried to have a word with Head but the opener did not back down. The videos of the incident have been making rounds on social media.
Head departs after mammoth partnership
Head reached his half-century from 31 balls in the 11th over of the innings. He was eventually dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal. He scored 66 runs from 37 balls, including nine fours and three sixes. Head and Abhishek shared a 171-run partnership from just 74 balls. This is the second-highest opening partnership for SRH.
Abhishek's record-breaking century
In the same over, Abhishek completed his maiden IPL century from just 40 deliveries. This is the fastest century in an IPL run chase. Abhishek continued to dismantle the PBKS bowling lineup In the 17th over, Arshdeep ended Abhishek's onslaught. He smashed 14 fours and 10 sixes in his 55-ball 141. This is the highest score by an Indian batter in the IPL.
SRH alive in the tournament
Following Abhishek's marvellous knock, Heinrich Klaasen ensured there was no anti-climax. SRH chased down a mammoth target of 246 with eight wickets in hand and nine balls to spare. The big win helped them rise from the bottom to the eighth position of the points table. Their next match is at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on April 17.