Sunrisers Hyderabad registered a 42-run win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 65 of IPL 2025 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Friday, May 23. SRH, despite being eliminated from the Playoffs race, beat the already-in RCB by a thumping margin.
This game contained almost everything – blistering batting from SRH, some average bowling from RCB, a rollicking start by the Bengaluru openers, and a dramatic collapse at the business end of the game, where Pat Cummins & Co. clinched away with a win.
Talking Points
1. Kishan ends like he started
Kishan’s form took a massive dip after his opening-game ton. He went through a notable drought, scoring only 125 runs in nine innings. However, the Bihar-born turned up immensely well tonight, piling up a swashbuckling 94* (48) to help his side get to 231/6 at the end of 20 overs.
2. Shepherd’s frugal spell stands out amid batting mayhem
Other than Shepherd, the rest of the RCB bowlers were at the receiving end of a pounding by the SRH batters. However, the Caribbean cricketer was the standout bowler for his side. He conceded only 14 runs in his two overs while picking up a couple of wickets.
3. Salt serves it spicy with power-packed innings
Salt provided just the start which RCB were after. The stumper-batter’s explosive show comprised four fours and five sixes. Despite starting off slow, the top-order batter picked up pace post the powerplay.
4. RCB implode in second-half of run-chase
What began as a dominant chase at 120/1 in 10.3 overs turned into an absolute nightmare. RCB folded for 189 in 19.5 overs in what a disappointing collapse by them.
Who Said What?
Jitesh Sharma (losing captain)
I think 20-30 runs were extra, I don’t have any answers (how RCB lost from that situation.) We were rusty and I think the intensity wasn’t there, but it’s good to lose this game. I was upset because I got out, I wasn’t in that zone to meet Tim David who was injured. I think losing this game was good, the positive things are that we are batting well. After this loss, I think it’s good to get this setback, we will bounce back in a good way in the upcoming games.
Pat Cummins (winning captain)
Little bit too late this season but good all-round effort with both bat and ball. Now that Nitish is back bowling, does feel like we’ve a genuine sixth bowler. Abhishek’s always telling me that he’s a good option and I should use him. So much power for someone who’s not as tall as some others (talking about Kishan). We actually misread the wicket. Thought it might have been a 170 wicket, and then all the batters came back and said it’s a really good wicket and to keep going. He’s been great (Malinga). Wherever you bowl him, he’s taken wickets. He’s got plenty of tool – the fast yorker and the great dipping slower ball. Has been a find this season.
Ishan Kishan (Player of the Match)
When you get to bat first and both openers are looking in good touch, it’s your job to keep the momentum going. The moment I saw Abhishek and Head starting the game like that, I just knew it’s a very good wicket and we have to go over 200 at least. Your approach changes when wickets are falling, but you try to keep the momentum going. For that you need to play some good shots. You get that confidence when you bat well in the practice sessions. I was just thinking of playing good shots. One side was very big and there were gaps. Not so happy with the performance overall. We could’ve done much better overall. I could’ve done much more for my team. It’s a game of learning. These things happen. You just have to keep believing in yourself and keep working hard.
