Ishan Kishan Stars as Sunrisers Hyderabad pulls down RCB's Top-Two Ambitions
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) aspirations for a top-two finish in the 2025 Indian Premier League suffered a significant setback as they were defeated by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 42 runs on Friday, May 23rd. An outstanding unbeaten innings from Ishan Kishan propelled SRH to a formidable total, which their bowlers, led by captain Pat Cummins, successfully defended despite a strong start from RCB's top order.
Sunrisers Hyderabad Post Formidable Total
After being put into bat, Sunrisers Hyderabad amassed an imposing 231 for 6. The innings was anchored by Ishan Kishan, who played a magnificent knock of 94 not out from just 48 balls, his first significant score since a century in SRH's season opener. He was well-supported by aggressive starts from openers Abhishek Sharma (34 off 17) and Travis Head (17 off 10), who together added 54 runs in the first four overs. Despite losing wickets at intervals, contributions from Heinrich Klaasen and Aniket Verma ensured the momentum continued, with Kishan providing the finishing flourish. For RCB, Romario Shepherd was the most successful bowler with figures of 2 for 14 from his two overs.
Royal Challengers' Chase Falters
Chasing 232, Royal Challengers Bengaluru began their pursuit positively. Virat Kohli (43 off 25) and Phil Salt (62 off 32) provided an explosive opening stand of 80 runs in just seven overs. Salt, in particular, was aggressive, reaching his half-century in 27 balls. Even after Kohli's dismissal, RCB maintained a healthy run rate, with Salt continuing his assault. Stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma (24) and Rajat Patidar (18, playing as an Impact Substitute) then added a quick 44 runs, keeping RCB seemingly in control at 173 for 3 in the 16th over.
Dramatic Collapse Sees RCB Fall Short
However, the dismissal of Jitesh Sharma triggered a dramatic collapse. RCB lost their last seven wickets for a mere 16 runs in the space of approximately 25 deliveries. Pat Cummins bowled an excellent spell for SRH, claiming three crucial wickets for 28 runs. Eshan Malinga also contributed with two wickets (2/37), including a run-out. The sudden implosion saw RCB bundled out for 189 in 19.5 overs.
This victory, though not altering Sunrisers Hyderabad's eliminated status, serves as a significant confidence booster for them. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have already qualified for the playoffs, this heavy defeat came as a major blow to their net run rate. Ishan Kishan was rightly adjudged the Player of the Match for his exceptional innings.
