In a thrilling encounter at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) delivered a stellar performance to defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 42 runs in the 65th match of the IPL 2025 season. This match not only showcased individual brilliance but also highlighted the strategic acumen of the SRH team, leaving RCB to reassess their approach as they head into the playoffs. RCB vs SRH 2025 Scorecard
Match Overview
- Date: May 23, 2025
- Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
- Result: Sunrisers Hyderabad won by 42 runs
- Man of the Match: Ishan Kishan
Sunrisers Hyderabad Innings: A Batting Masterclass
Opting to bat first, SRH set a formidable target, posting a total of 231/6 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a sensational performance from Ishan Kishan, who remained unbeaten on 94 runs off just 48 balls. His innings was laced with 7 fours and 5 sixes, demonstrating both finesse and power.
Key Contributions:
- Abhishek Sharma: 34 runs off 17 balls
- Travis Head: 17 runs off 10 balls
- Heinrich Klaasen: 24 runs off 13 balls
- Aniket Verma: 26 runs off 9 balls
- Pat Cummins: 13 runs off 6 balls (not out)
The aggressive start by Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head laid the foundation, while Kishan’s onslaught ensured a mammoth total. The middle order capitalized on the momentum, with quick-fire contributions that kept the scoreboard ticking.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Bowling Performance
RCB’s bowling attack struggled to contain the SRH batsmen. The bowlers faced a relentless assault, with most of them conceding runs at an alarming rate.
Bowling Figures:
- Pat Cummins: 4 overs, 28 runs, 3 wickets
- Jaydev Unadkat: 4 overs, 41 runs, 1 wicket
- Harshal Patel: 3.5 overs, 39 runs, 1 wicket
- Eshan Malinga: 4 overs, 37 runs, 2 wickets
- Harsh Dubey: 2 overs, 20 runs, 1 wicket
- Nitish Kumar Reddy: 2 overs, 13 runs, 1 wicket
Despite Pat Cummins’ efforts, the bowling unit as a whole failed to make significant inroads, allowing SRH to post a daunting total.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings: A Promising Start Fizzles Out
Chasing 232, RCB began their innings with promise. Openers Philip Salt and Virat Kohli provided a solid start, but the middle and lower order failed to capitalize, leading to a collapse.
Top Performers:
- Philip Salt: 62 runs off 32 balls
- Virat Kohli: 43 runs off 25 balls
- Rajat Patidar: 18 runs off 16 balls
- Jitesh Sharma: 24 runs off 15 balls
The initial partnership between Salt and Kohli was aggressive, putting pressure on the SRH bowlers. However, once the duo was dismissed, the rest of the batting lineup faltered, unable to maintain the required run rate.
Sunrisers Hyderabad Bowling Performance
SRH’s bowlers executed their plans meticulously, applying pressure and taking wickets at crucial junctures.
Bowling Highlights:
- Pat Cummins: 4 overs, 28 runs, 3 wickets
- Eshan Malinga: 4 overs, 37 runs, 2 wickets
- Jaydev Unadkat: 4 overs, 41 runs, 1 wicket
- Harshal Patel: 3.5 overs, 39 runs, 1 wicket
- Harsh Dubey: 2 overs, 20 runs, 1 wicket
- Nitish Kumar Reddy: 2 overs, 13 runs, 1 wicket
The bowlers maintained discipline, with Cummins leading the attack. Malinga’s spell in the middle overs was particularly effective, breaking partnerships and stalling RCB’s momentum.
Turning Points of the Match
- Ishan Kishan’s Unbeaten 94: Kishan’s innings was the cornerstone of SRH’s total, showcasing his ability to anchor and accelerate.
- RCB’s Middle-Order Collapse: After a strong start, RCB lost wickets in quick succession, derailing their chase.
- Eshan Malinga’s Spell: Malinga’s timely wickets and economical bowling tightened the screws on RCB.
Implications for the Points Table
This victory, while not affecting SRH’s playoff chances, was a morale booster and a testament to their potential. For RCB, the loss was a setback in their quest for a top-two finish, emphasizing the need for consistency in both batting and bowling departments.
Conclusion
The match between RCB and SRH was a showcase of strategic brilliance, individual performances, and the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. SRH’s comprehensive victory highlighted their depth and resilience, while RCB will need to regroup and address their shortcomings as they prepare for the playoffs.