SRH Storm Past RCB by 42 Runs in IPL 2025 Thriller at Ekana
Cricket fans at the Ekana Cricket Stadium witnessed a night of fireworks, drama, and raw emotion as Sunrisers Hyderabad delivered a comprehensive performance to beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 42 runs in Match 65 of the IPL 2025 season.
After posting a towering 231/6 thanks to Ishan Kishan’s masterclass and explosive cameos, SRH backed it up with a solid bowling performance led by Pat Cummins, who claimed 3 wickets in a pressure-filled chase.
Kishan’s Commanding 94* Sets the Stage
The foundation for the win was laid earlier in the evening when Ishan Kishan took charge of the innings with a sublime 94 off 48 balls*. He anchored the innings while keeping the scoreboard racing, striking 7 fours and 5 sixes in a performance that was as stylish as it was impactful.
SRH’s aggressive batting was complemented by breezy contributions from Abhishek Sharma (34 off 17) and Aniket Verma (26 off 9), pushing the total beyond the reach of most teams—even RCB’s star-studded lineup.
RCB’s Chase Begins with Hope
The chase began with promise. Phil Salt looked in sublime touch, smashing his way to a quick 62 off 32 balls with 5 sixes, while Virat Kohli found rhythm early, stroking a fluent 43 off 25. The duo added 80 runs in 7 overs, igniting hope in RCB’s camp and electrifying the crowd.
Their partnership seemed to tilt the balance, especially with SRH bowlers under pressure. But cricket is a game of moments—and once Kohli was dismissed by debutant Harsh Dubey, the momentum started to shift.
Middle Order Crumbles Under Pressure
RCB’s middle order failed to build on the solid platform. Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar, and captain Jitesh Sharma couldn’t provide the push needed. Romario Shepherd and Tim David departed cheaply, and the chase lost steam just when it needed a second wind.
The scoreboard, once cruising at 120/2, quickly turned grim, with wickets falling in clusters between overs 12 and 18.
Cummins, Malinga Seal the Deal
Captain Pat Cummins led from the front with figures of 4-0-28-3, including crucial wickets at the death. His dismissal of Phil Salt, who looked set to change the game, was a turning point. Youngster Eshan Malinga also impressed with 2/37, showing maturity beyond his years in a high-pressure scenario.
Jaydev Unadkat and Harshal Patel chipped in with key wickets, and the bowling unit worked in tandem to dismantle RCB’s lower order, bowling them out for 189 in 19.5 overs.
What This Win Means for SRH
The 42-run victory catapults SRH back into playoff contention, reinvigorating their campaign with renewed momentum. The team showed depth, discipline, and hunger—qualities that bode well as the tournament nears its business end.
Ishan Kishan’s return to form couldn’t have come at a better time, and Pat Cummins’ leadership continues to anchor the team. Performances from young talents like Aniket Verma and Eshan Malinga offer additional reason for SRH fans to dream big.
RCB’s Road Ahead
For Royal Challengers Bangalore, the loss is a harsh setback. Despite bright moments from Kohli and Salt, the middle and lower order’s collapse exposed lingering vulnerabilities. With the playoff race heating up, RCB now faces must-win scenarios in their final fixtures.
Captain Jitesh Sharma will need to rally his troops and address the consistency issues that continue to plague the team. Whether RCB can bounce back will depend on both strategy and self-belief.
Final Thoughts
SRH’s 42-run win wasn’t just about big numbers—it was a testament to balanced cricket, smart leadership, and timely individual brilliance. While Ishan Kishan dazzled with the bat, Pat Cummins ensured the team didn’t falter with the ball.
RCB showed heart but lacked the depth to cross the line. As IPL 2025 nears its climax, the race is heating up—and so is the drama on the field.
