In a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter, SunRisers Hyderabad defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 6 wickets, chasing down a record 206 runs at Ekana Stadium. Abhishek Sharma's explosive 59 off 20 balls set the tone for SRH's victory, supported by crucial contributions from Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, and Kamindu Mendis. LSG's playoff hopes ended amid poor captaincy and inconsistent performance.
In a must-win IPL 2025 clash, SunRisers Hyderabad handed Lucknow Super Giants a heavy 6-wicket defeat at the Ekana Stadium on May 19, officially ending LSG’s playoff hopes. Chasing a massive target of 206 runs, SRH reached the total with 10 balls to spare — the highest-ever chase at this ground.
The match was set up beautifully by Abhishek Sharma, who blazed 59 off just 20 balls. His explosive knock gave SRH the perfect start. Supporting him were Ishan Kishan (35), Heinrich Klaasen (47), and Kamindu Mendis (32), who played mature, risk-free cricket to maintain control of the chase. Though both Klaasen and Mendis exited in the 18th over — one out and the other retired hurt — Nitish Reddy and Aniket Verma calmly guided the team to victory.
This was arguably SRH’s most balanced performance of the season, where their batting and bowling clicked together at the right time. On the other hand, LSG were once again let down by poor captaincy and inconsistency — both in planning and execution. Rishabh Pant had another forgettable outing, both as a batter and as a leader.
One major turning point was when Pant removed spinner Digvesh Rathi from the attack right after he dismissed Abhishek Sharma and broke a big partnership. This move allowed Klaasen to settle in and take control of the game for SRH.
Earlier, LSG had a great start to which whole credit goes to their overseas openers, Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram, who added 115 runs in just over 10 overs. Marsh made 65 and Markram scored 61, continuing their good run in this IPL season. But once they got out, LSG’s innings fell apart quickly.
Nicholas Pooran tried to rescue the team with a late 45 off 26 balls, but it wasn’t enough. SRH bowlers, especially Eshan Malinga and Pat Cummins, bowled clever slower deliveries that kept the pressure on LSG.
With this loss, LSG’s campaign comes to a disappointing end. Poor auction choices, injury issues, and over-reliance on an out-of-form Pant were some of the key reasons behind their downfall. Now, they must go back to the drawing board before the next season.