Ishan Kishan Stars as Hyderabad Beat Bengaluru in IPL 2025
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 continues to showcase thrilling contests, and Friday’s high-scoring encounter in Lucknow added another chapter to its legacy. In a powerful display of skill and determination, Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a convincing 42-run win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Although Hyderabad had already been eliminated from playoff contention, their commanding performance, led by Ishan Kishan’s explosive innings, provided a morale-boosting consolation and reaffirmed the depth of talent in their squad.
Hyderabad’s Top Order Fires After Being Put In to Bat
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, having already qualified for the playoffs, won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. The decision seemed sound on paper, but Hyderabad’s batters were in no mood to hold back. The opening duo of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head launched a fiery start, showing positive intent from the first over. Abhishek looked in supreme touch, smashing three sixes and three boundaries in a quickfire 17-ball 34 before being dismissed by Lungi Ngidi.
His partner, Travis Head, didn’t last much longer, contributing 17 runs before falling in the fifth over. At 54 for 2, Hyderabad’s start had been aggressive but precarious. However, that’s when Ishan Kishan took control of the innings. Supported initially by Heinrich Klaasen and later by Aniket Verma, Kishan led the batting with maturity and aggression, crafting a pivotal innings that shifted the momentum fully in Hyderabad’s favor.
Ishan Kishan’s Magnificent Knock Highlights His T20 Class
Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 94 off just 48 deliveries was the highlight of Hyderabad’s innings. The left-hander displayed a full range of strokes, combining intelligent placement with raw power. He struck seven fours and five sixes, taking advantage of what many players have described as one of the best batting pitches of the tournament. His shot selection was measured, and his composure under pressure spoke volumes about his growing stature in T20 cricket.
Kishan played the role of anchor and aggressor seamlessly. His ability to accelerate in the death overs allowed Hyderabad to extract 43 runs from the final three overs, a phase that proved critical in pushing their total to a formidable 231 for 6. His innings was well supported by a brisk 24 from Klaasen and a late flourish from Aniket Verma, who smashed 26 runs off just nine balls. These partnerships ensured Hyderabad maintained a high run rate throughout the innings.
Hyderabad’s Innings Ends with Momentum and Confidence
The final overs of the Hyderabad innings were a spectacle. As Kishan shifted gears, he began to find the boundary at will, putting immense pressure on Bengaluru’s bowlers. Aniket Verma’s cameo injected the perfect dose of momentum, with his confident strokeplay contributing to the big finish. While Bengaluru’s bowlers tried various combinations, none could contain the flow of runs.
Lungi Ngidi and other members of Bengaluru’s attack found some success in the middle overs, but their inability to execute yorkers or variations in the final overs proved costly. Hyderabad’s ability to adapt and accelerate from the 16th over onward ensured they set a target that demanded excellence from the Bengaluru batting unit.
Bengaluru’s Chase Begins Strong with Salt and Kohli Leading
Chasing 232, Royal Challengers Bengaluru began their innings with purpose. Openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli looked confident and composed, taking advantage of the fielding restrictions and timing the ball beautifully. Kohli’s class was on full display as he dispatched pacer Harshal Patel for two stylish boundaries in one over—first over deep extra cover and then lofted over mid-off.
Kohli’s 25-ball 43 gave Bengaluru a solid start, and the chase looked within reach in the early overs. However, his dismissal shifted the momentum. Attempting a lofted shot off spinner Harsh Dubey, Kohli was caught by Abhishek Sharma, ending a promising knock that had seven boundaries and one six.
Phil Salt Anchors the Innings Before Collapse Begins
Phil Salt continued to play fluently after Kohli’s exit. With crisp timing and smart placement, Salt reached 62, delighting the crowd with his strokeplay. However, after his departure, Bengaluru’s batting began to unravel. A sudden collapse saw them lose three wickets within just five balls—a crucial turning point in the game.
The middle order, unable to handle the mounting pressure and increasing required run rate, failed to stabilize the chase. Hyderabad’s bowlers, particularly Pat Cummins and Eshan Malinga, took full advantage of the situation. Their ability to bowl with precision and maintain pressure in the middle and death overs proved decisive.
Hyderabad’s Bowlers Shine in Containing Bengaluru’s Firepower
With a big total to defend, Hyderabad’s bowling unit executed their plans with commendable accuracy. Pat Cummins led the charge, claiming 3 wickets for 28 runs and dismantling the middle order. Eshan Malinga supported him well with 2 for 37, and Harsh Dubey’s crucial wicket of Virat Kohli shifted the balance in Hyderabad’s favor.
The bowlers maintained tight lines and cleverly mixed pace, leaving little room for error for the Bengaluru batters. Their field placements and discipline forced Bengaluru into errors, leading to wickets at regular intervals. The defending total was never allowed to feel comfortable, and Bengaluru’s innings eventually ended at 189 in 19.5 overs.
Skippers Reflect on the Match and Team Performances
Post-match reactions reflected a sense of satisfaction from Hyderabad and introspection from Bengaluru. Jaydev Unadkat, speaking on behalf of Hyderabad, emphasized how well the team responded to the opportunity to restore pride. “It was probably one of the best wickets to bat on throughout the tournament,” he said. “The message was to try and make things happen. Our bowlers were spot on.”
On the other hand, Bengaluru captain Jitesh Sharma was candid in his assessment. “They played very well. I didn’t have any answers for their attack. We were rusty. The intensity was not there initially,” he admitted. Sharma’s comments underscored the challenges teams face in maintaining focus once qualification is secured, and how every match in a tournament as competitive as the IPL demands top-level performance.
Hyderabad’s Win Reflects Promise Despite Exit From Playoffs
Though out of the running for a playoff berth, Hyderabad’s performance in this game was a strong statement of their potential. Ishan Kishan’s innings, Klaasen’s reliability, Verma’s finishing flair, and the bowlers’ collective discipline all pointed toward a team that has the ingredients for future success.
The victory not only lifted the morale of the Hyderabad squad but also reminded the IPL audience of the importance of finishing strong, regardless of tournament standings. In such a closely watched league, individual and team performances often carry weight beyond the scorecard.
Bengaluru Gathers Lessons as Playoffs Approach
Despite the loss, Royal Challengers Bengaluru remain one of the tournament’s top contenders. Their early momentum in the match demonstrated the strength of their batting core, particularly in Kohli and Salt. However, the middle order’s failure to capitalize after their dismissals exposed areas that require immediate attention ahead of the playoffs.
Their bowling also showed vulnerability under pressure, particularly in the death overs. Addressing these tactical issues will be key for Bengaluru as they gear up for the crucial matches ahead. The loss, while not damaging in terms of qualification, offers timely insight into the adjustments needed for knockout-stage success.
A Memorable Match That Captures the Spirit of IPL Cricket
In the end, the match between Hyderabad and Bengaluru delivered exactly what IPL fans have come to expect—high-quality cricket, exceptional individual performances, and unpredictable outcomes. Hyderabad’s strong batting and disciplined bowling were a fitting tribute to their campaign, even if it didn’t end in playoff qualification.
For Bengaluru, the game provided lessons and moments of brilliance, all of which will inform their approach as the tournament heads into its final stages. As the IPL 2025 story continues to unfold, matches like these ensure the league remains a true celebration of cricket’s most exciting format.
