On Friday, May 23, Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 42 runs in Match 65 of the 2025 IPL at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Even though they were out of the playoffs, SRH defeated the RCB, who were already in, by a significant margin.
A thrilling start by the Bengaluru openers, some mediocre bowling from RCB, explosive batting from SRH, and a stunning collapse at the conclusion of the game, where Pat Cummins & Co. secured victory, were all features of this match.
Talking Points
1. Kishan finishes as he began
Following his opening-game dominance, Kishan’s form drastically declined. He only managed to score 125 runs in nine innings during a significant drought. But tonight, the Bihar native performed incredibly well, scoring a daring 94* (48) to help his team reach 231/6 after 20 overs.
2. Amid batting chaos, Shepherd’s economical spell shines out.
Shepherd wasn’t the only RCB bowler who took a beating from the SRH batsmen. But the Caribbean cricketer was his team’s most impressive bowler. He took a few wickets and gave up just 14 runs in his two overs.
3. Salt gives it a fiery, powerful inning.
Salt gave RCB just the start they were looking for. There were four fours and five sixes in the stumper-batter’s spectacular display. The top-order hitter gained up speed after the powerplay, despite having a poor start.
4. RCB collapses in the second half of the game.
What started out as a commanding chase at 120/1 in 10.3 overs became a complete disaster. It was a sad collapse for RCB as they were dismissed for 189 in 19.5 overs.
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.
India
