Sunrisers Hyderabad broke Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s winning streak in away matches with a dominant 42-run win in Match 65 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, held at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. The victory boosts SRH’s playoff hopes, while RCB may need to reassess its game plan as the league nears the final stretch.
SRH set mammoth target
After winning the toss, Sunrisers Hyderabad chose to bat and posted a commanding 231/6 in their 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan starred with a match-winning knock of 94 not out off 50 balls. He stitched valuable partnerships with Abhishek Sharma (34 off 22) and later with Pat Cummins, who chipped in with a quick 26 off 12.
Kishan’s innings was laced with crisp boundaries and powerful pulls. He anchored the SRH innings as wickets fell at the other end, ensuring a tall target for RCB. Romario Shepherd was the pick of RCB’s bowlers, conceding just 14 runs and picking up two wickets in his spell.
RCB collapse despite solid start
Chasing 232, RCB came out with intent. Phil Salt smashed 62 off just 32 balls, and Virat Kohli added 43 off 29, keeping the required run rate within reach in the early overs. However, a middle-order slump proved costly.
Once Salt and Kohli departed, the chase unravelled. Wickets tumbled quickly under pressure from Pat Cummins and Harsh Dubey. Cummins led from the front with the ball, taking key wickets and stalling RCB’s momentum. RCB were eventually bowled out for 189 in 19.5 overs, falling 42 runs short.
Impact on points table & playoffs
The result ends RCB’s unbeaten record in away games this season and impacts their chances of finishing in the top two. Sunrisers, on the other hand, stay firmly in the playoff race with this morale-boosting win.
RCB’s interim captain Jitesh Sharma remained optimistic in the post-match presentation. He remarked that a loss at this stage could act as a wake-up call before the playoffs.
Key performers
- Ishan Kishan (SRH): 94* (50 balls) – Player of the Match
- Phil Salt (RCB): 62 (32 balls)
- Pat Cummins (SRH): Crucial wickets & late cameo with bat
- Romario Shepherd (RCB): 2/14 in 3 overs
