IPL 2025: Ishan Kishan Stars in SRH’s 42-Run Win Over RCB, Dents Bengaluru’s Top-2 Dreams

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) delivered a statement performance in Match 65 of the IPL 2025 season by beating Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by a convincing 42-run margin. The match, held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, saw wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan rise to the occasion with a match-winning knock that powered SRH to a defendable total. With this win, SRH not only kept their playoff hopes alive but also dealt a severe blow to RCB’s aspirations of securing a top-two finish in the league standings.

Match Summary:

• Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Match 65
• Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
• Result: SRH won by 42 runs
• Player of the Match: Ishan Kishan (SRH)

For the Second Game in a Row: A Familiar Pattern

For the second game in a row, a team that has already been knocked out set a top-two contender a monumental target of over 230 — a feat chased down successfully only twice in IPL history. And again, for the second time in a row, the chasing team looked promising until the 15th over before a late collapse turned the tide. On May 21, it was Lucknow Super Giants toppling Gujarat Titans, and on May 22, Sunrisers Hyderabad followed suit by overpowering Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 42 runs.

This defeat has now pushed RCB out of control of their own fate. Not only must they win their remaining fixtures, but they are also now dependent on other results to secure a top-two finish. Worse still, they have slipped below Punjab Kings in the net run rate, which may prove crucial in a tightly contested league finish.

Kishan’s Brilliance and SRH’s Dominant Start

RCB had chosen to field first — a decision they would come to regret almost immediately. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma blazed away to a 50-run partnership in just over four overs. RCB seemed to claw their way back with a double breakthrough at 54, dismissing both openers.

However, Ishan Kishan took charge and kept the momentum alive with a spectacular 94 off 48 deliveries, narrowly missing a century. Despite wickets falling around him, Kishan anchored the innings with aggressive intent. Contributions from Heinrich Klaasen and Aniket ensured that SRH finished with a mammoth total of 231/6.

The RCB bowlers struggled against the onslaught. Missing their key pacer Josh Hazlewood, they failed to contain the SRH batters. Romario Shepherd was a rare bright spot, picking up 2 wickets for just 14 runs in his two overs.

RCB’s Spirited Yet Flawed Chase

RCB’s chase began with promise. Virat Kohli and Phil Salt got them off to a flying start, with Kohli initially attacking before Salt, returning from injury, took over. Salt top-scored for RCB with a brisk 62 off 32 balls.

Despite losing Mayank and Salt in quick succession, the stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma and regular captain Rajat Patidar looked to stabilize things. However, disciplined bowling by SRH and mounting scoreboard pressure led to a dramatic collapse. RCB lost their last seven wickets for just 16 runs in 4.1 overs and were eventually bowled out for 189.

Captain Washington Sundar led from the front with figures of 3/28 in his 4 overs but credited the team effort for turning the tide. Spin and tight fielding combined to strangle RCB’s momentum. A hampered Tim David, who could barely run between the wickets, further dented RCB’s hopes in the closing overs.

Key Performers:

• Ishan Kishan (SRH): 94 (48 balls) – Carried the innings with a brilliant knock.
• Pat Cummins (SRH): 3/28 – Led with the ball and broke crucial partnerships.
• Romario Shepherd (RCB): 2/14 – RCB’s best bowler on a tough day.
• Phil Salt (RCB): 62 (32 balls) – Gave RCB hope with a fiery start.

Final Thoughts

This defeat has left RCB vulnerable and reliant on other teams as the playoffs loom. Their collapse under pressure and the inability to close out a high-stakes chase will raise serious questions. For SRH, it was a morale-boosting win that showcased the depth in their squad and their hunger to finish strong.

As the league stage heads toward its climax, each match now carries enormous weight. Both teams will need to reflect and regroup — one with renewed hope, the other with a sense of urgency.

Stay tuned for more IPL 2025 match reports, analysis, and playoff updates!