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Ishan Kishan’s Unbeaten 94, Malinga’s Late Strikes Crush RCB’s Top-Two Hopes in IPL 2025
SRH Register a Dominant Win in Lucknow to Complicate RCB’s Playoff Plans
Lucknow, May 23 – A commanding unbeaten knock from Ishan Kishan and a game-changing spell in the death overs by Eshan Malinga powered Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to a 42-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), significantly denting RCB’s chances of securing a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 standings. Despite being in a strong position for most of the chase, RCB lost their grip in the final overs and now depend on other results to confirm a favorable playoff spot.
Where the Game Slipped: Final Overs Prove Costly for RCB
SRH Turn the Tide with Late Brilliance
The clash was tightly contested for the majority of the innings, but Eshan Malinga’s exceptional death-over performance changed the outcome. Malinga first effected a crucial run-out with a direct hit, followed by two key dismissals that crippled RCB’s chase. In stark contrast to SRH’s strong finish, RCB collapsed under pressure, managing just 22/7 in their final five overs.
Death Overs Comparison
| Parameter | SRH | RCB |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 63/1 | 22/7 |
| Run Rate | 12.6 | 4.55 |
| 4s/6s | 2/5 | 2/0 |
SRH’s Innings: Power, Precision, and Kishan’s Class
Powerplay Blitz Sets the Stage
SRH began aggressively, smashing 71 runs in the powerplay despite losing both openers. Abhishek Sharma inflicted early damage with 3 fours and 3 sixes, while Travis Head also contributed before falling to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Despite the setbacks, SRH remained ahead, thanks to some sharp strokeplay from Kishan and Klaasen.
Middle Overs Momentum
Maintaining their aggressive intent, SRH collected 97/3 in the middle overs. Klaasen’s fireworks and Aniket Verma’s blistering 9-ball 26 kept the scoreboard ticking. Kishan steadily built his innings, reaching his half-century and holding the innings together for a late assault.
Kishan’s Death Overs Masterclass
SRH hammered 63/1 in the final five overs, with Kishan playing a key role. He utilized cheeky scoops, lofted drives, and well-placed boundaries to finish on 94 off 52 balls*, guiding SRH to 231/6. Support from Pat Cummins in the penultimate over ensured a daunting total.
RCB’s Response: A Promising Start, A Painful End
Kohli Leads RCB’s Early Charge
RCB matched SRH’s powerplay exploits, reaching 72/0. Virat Kohli looked in sublime touch, scoring 43 runs and dominating Pat Cummins and Harshal Patel. Phil Salt, reprieved due to a no-ball, found rhythm towards the end of the powerplay, putting RCB in a strong position.
Middle Overs: Salt Fires but SRH Strike Back
Phil Salt’s aggressive innings propelled RCB to 95/3 in the middle phase. He reached his half-century off 27 balls, but SRH pulled things back quickly with the wickets of Kohli, Salt, and Mayank Agarwal in quick succession. Despite a brief flourish from Jitesh Sharma, SRH’s Nitish Reddy tightened the screws with a boundary-less 15th over.
📌 For a complete breakdown of IPL 2025 points scenarios and fixtures, read our IPL Playoffs Qualification Guide.
RCB’s Final Overs Nightmare
What followed was a dramatic collapse. Malinga’s over proved decisive—he ran out Rajat Patidar, caught Romario Shepherd, and later dismissed a struggling Tim David. With RCB needing 65 off 30, they only managed 22 runs while losing seven wickets, ending their innings at 189 in 19.5 overs.
Match Summary
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 231/6 in 20 overs
(Ishan Kishan 94, Abhishek Sharma 34; Romario Shepherd 2/14)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 189 in 19.5 overs
(Phil Salt 62, Virat Kohli 43; Pat Cummins 3/28, Eshan Malinga 2/37)
Result: SRH won by 42 runs.
What’s Next in IPL 2025?
SRH will head to Delhi for their final league fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders, eyeing a top finish. RCB, on the other hand, will play the last match of the league stage against Lucknow Super Giants on May 27. Whether that match will have any top-two implications for RCB depends on results elsewhere.
🔗 Learn more about Eshan Malinga’s domestic cricket journey on ESPNcricinfo.
