Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) delivered a significant blow to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) aspirations for a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 standings. In Match 65 at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, SRH secured a commanding 42-run victory, marking RCB’s first away defeat of the season.
Ishan Kishan’s Unbeaten 94 Anchors SRH’s Total
Opting to bat first, SRH posted a formidable total of 231/6. Despite early setbacks with the dismissals of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan steadied the innings. His unbeaten 94 off 48 balls, featuring clean hitting and strategic shot selection, was instrumental in propelling SRH to their highest score of the season.
Ishan Kishan smashes 94 off 48 balls 🔥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) May 23, 2025
Takes home the Player of the Match against RCB 👏
📸 Getty #IshanKishan #MIvsRCB #IPL2025 #WicketBuzz #CricketFever #T20Star #PlayerOfTheMatch #IndianPremierLeague #BattingMasterclass #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/yNM6sSSos2
RCB’s Promising Start Undermined by Batting Collapse
Chasing 232, RCB began confidently, with Phil Salt scoring 62 and Virat Kohli contributing 43. However, the innings unraveled dramatically as RCB lost their last seven wickets for just 16 runs, culminating in a total of 189. This collapse not only resulted in a defeat but also adversely affected their net run rate.
SRH Bowlers Seal the Victory
SRH’s bowlers played a pivotal role in the win. Pat Cummins led the attack with figures of 3/28, while Eshan Malinga’s precise yorkers and variations yielded 2/37. Their combined efforts stifled RCB’s middle and lower order, ensuring a comprehensive victory for SRH.
SRH conquer RCB by 42 runs 🧡
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) May 23, 2025
All-out domination in style!
📸 Getty #SRHvsRCB #IPL2025 #WicketBuzz #OrangeArmy #CricketThrill #RCBAllOut #T20Cricket #IndianPremierLeague #SRHWin #GameOn pic.twitter.com/8qHcGaWNtU
Implications for RCB’s Playoff Position
This defeat leaves RCB with 17 points, tied with Punjab Kings but trailing in net run rate. To secure a top-two finish, RCB must win their remaining match and hope for favorable outcomes in other fixtures. The loss to SRH has made their path to Qualifier 1 more challenging.
In summary, SRH’s comprehensive performance, highlighted by Ishan Kishan’s stellar innings and effective bowling, has significantly impacted RCB’s position in the IPL 2025 standings. RCB now faces a crucial juncture as they aim to solidify their playoff prospects.
