Harshini In an electrifying chase at the Ekana Stadium, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) hunted down a mammoth 206-run target set by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) with poise, power, and panache. Powered by a fiery start from Abhishek Sharma and the finishing prowess of Klaasen and Mendis, SRH romped home in 18.2 overs, winning by 6 wickets.
🚀 Powerplay Mayhem: Abhishek’s Carnage Ignites the Chase
SRH’s intent was crystal clear from the outset. Abhishek Sharma unleashed his attacking arsenal right from the second over:
- 2.1 to 2.2 (Akash Deep): Two boundaries including a classic loft over extra cover.
- 3rd Over (O’Rourke): A towering six over point and a drive sneaking past mid-off.
- 5th Over (Avesh Khan): Back-to-back boundaries with elegant placement and brutal timing.
Abhishek raced to 53 off just 18 balls, pulverizing Ravi Bishnoi in a devastating 6th over where he clobbered four consecutive sixes, tallying 26 runs. It was one of the most blistering Powerplays of IPL 2025.
LSG’s Breakthrough: Rathi Strikes, Drama Unfolds
LSG got their much-needed breakthrough in the 8th over when Digvesh Rathi dismissed Abhishek Sharma for a blazing 59 (20). But the drama didn’t stop there — Abhishek exchanged words with the bowler after his dismissal, forcing officials and teammates to step in and cool tempers.
Soon after, Rathi picked up Ishan Kishan’s wicket in the 11th over with a classic leg-spinner’s dismissal — a looping delivery that spun away and clipped off-stump, ending Kishan’s promising 35 (28).
💣 Klaasen’s Mid-Overs Assault: Precision Meets Power
Heinrich Klaasen, the anchor and accelerator rolled into one, took over the middle overs with flair. Starting with a gentle nudge for one, Klaasen quickly turned beast mode on:
- 10.1 to 10.4 (Thakur): Back-to-back fours including a fierce pull and a top-edged boundary.
- 11.1 (Rathi): Swatted for six with pure bottom-hand power.
- 17.1 & 17.2: Two successive boundaries — a square-leg whip and a muscular mid-wicket pull.
His 47 off 28 was vital in keeping SRH above the required rate at all times.
🎯 Bowling Breakdown: LSG’s Bowlers Fail to Contain
Despite Digvesh Rathi’s valiant spell of 2 wickets, LSG’s bowling lacked the discipline and bite needed to defend a 200+ total.
- Rathi: 4-0-37-3 – picked key wickets but leaked boundaries.
- Thakur: Expensive but managed Klaasen’s wicket at the death.
- Avesh, O’Rourke, Bishnoi: All were taken to the cleaners by the ferocious SRH top and middle order.
Even a maiden IPL wicket for William O’Rourke (removing Atharva Taide early) wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
🧊 Calm in the Chaos: Kamindu Mendis Shows His Steel
With Klaasen falling in the 18th over and the target still 12 runs away, Kamindu Mendis stepped up despite limping due to a hamstring niggle.
He struck three consecutive boundaries off Rathi in the 13th over, displaying innovation (reverse sweeps) and class (lofted drives). In the 17th over, he cleverly rotated strike and absorbed pressure.
When the finishing line was near, Nitish Reddy delivered the killer blow with a boundary on 18.1, sealing the win.
🧠 Game-Changing Moments That Swung the Match
- Powerplay Onslaught: 80+ runs in the first 6 overs set the tone.
- Rathi’s Missed Opportunity: Despite breakthroughs, SRH’s batters negated his threat with calculated aggression.
🏆 Man of the Match – Abhishek Sharma
- 59 off 20 balls
- Strike Rate: 295.00
- Boundaries: 4×4, 6×6
His fearless start broke the back of the chase and ensured SRH were never behind the rate.
📈 Match Summary – LSG vs SRH IPL 2025 Match 61
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| LSG | 205/7 | 20.0 |
| SRH | 206/4 | 18.2 |
- SRH won by 6 wickets
- Highest Scorer: Abhishek Sharma (59 off 20)
- Best Bowler: Digvesh Rathi (2/37)
- SRH Maintain Momentum in Playoff Hunt
🧐 Final Verdict: SRH’s Chase Masterclass Outclasses LSG
This was not just a successful run chase — it was a statement. The blend of youthful aggression (Abhishek), international class (Klaasen), and calm finishing (Mendis, Reddy) showcased SRH’s batting strength. For LSG, this loss raises serious questions about bowling depth and death over strategies.
Sunrisers are peaking at the right time. If they continue this fearless brand of cricket, they’ll be a force come playoff time.
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