In a thrilling high-scoring encounter, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) produced a stunning six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), officially knocking them out of the IPL 2025 playoff race. Despite half-centuries from Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram, it was Abhishek Sharma’s jaw-dropping 18-ball fifty that turned the match on its head. His power-hitting display ensured that SRH chased down 206 with ten balls to spare, leaving LSG stunned and the playoff race wide open for Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals.
SRH Chases Down 205 with Batting Firepower
Chasing 206 on a good batting surface at Ekana Stadium, SRH came out all guns blazing. While debutant Atharva Taide provided a short but impactful start, it was Abhishek Sharma who stole the spotlight with a sensational 59 off just 20 balls. He struck six sixes and showed no mercy, especially during the seventh over where he hit four balls out of the park — the most expensive seventh over in IPL history.
Abhishek’s explosive knock set the tone for the innings, and contributions from Ishan Kishan (35 off 28), Heinrich Klaasen (47 off 29), and Kamindu Mendis (32)* ensured that SRH reached the target comfortably. The Hyderabad-based team, already out of playoff contention, played fearless cricket, showcasing their bench strength and batting depth.
LSG Starts Strong But Falters in Second Half
Earlier in the match, LSG had a dream start after being put into bat. Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram stitched together a rapid 115-run opening partnership, attacking from the get-go. LSG raced to 69 for no loss in the powerplay and reached 108/0 in 10 overs. Marsh’s powerful hitting saw him scoring 65 off 36, while Markram added a fluent 61 off 34.
However, what followed was a massive collapse. Once Marsh fell to Harsh Dubey in the 11th over, the middle order failed to capitalize. Rishabh Pant, promoted to No. 3, fell cheaply, and despite a brisk 45 from Nicholas Pooran, the rest of the batting lineup offered little resistance. From 108/0, LSG could only manage 205/7 — a clear sign of middle-order over-reliance and poor death-over execution.
SRH Bowlers Turn the Game with Old Ball Masterclass
The turnaround in LSG’s innings was largely due to SRH’s bowling intelligence. The trio of Harshal Patel, Eshan Malinga, and Pat Cummins effectively used the older ball, mixing up their pace and varying lengths. Malinga’s dipping slower yorker that cleaned up Markram was one of the standout deliveries of the match and also marked Harshal’s 150th IPL wicket.
Despite a chaotic final over that saw 20 runs and three wickets — including two run-outs — LSG’s final score didn’t pose a significant threat. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s second over proved costly, but by then the damage to LSG’s innings was already done.
Abhishek’s Carnage Flattens LSG’s Bowling Attack
Abhishek Sharma’s innings will go down as one of the most destructive cameos of IPL 2025. Facing bowlers like Akash Deep, Will O’Rourke, and Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek launched a brutal assault that left LSG stunned. Bishnoi, known for his effectiveness against left-handers, was taken apart with three consecutive sixes down the ground followed by a boundary over midwicket.
By the time Abhishek was dismissed by Digvesh Rathi in the 8th over, SRH were already at 98/1 — well ahead in the chase. Rathi did provide some hope, picking up Abhishek and later bowling Kishan with a clever delivery. But the damage had been done. Klaasen and Kamindu took the chase home with clinical precision.
LSG’s Over-Reliance and Tactical Flaws Exposed
This match exposed LSG’s over-reliance on their top three — Marsh, Markram, and Pooran. Once they were dismissed, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Their bowling attack, too, lacked penetration. The decision to keep turning to an uncapped debutant, Digvesh Rathi, in a must-win game, highlighted their bench weakness and lack of tactical clarity.
Though Rathi impressed with two key wickets, expecting a debutant to lead the attack in such a high-stakes match underscored the team’s imbalance and poor resource management.
Playoff Scenario: MI and DC Eye Final Spot
With this loss, LSG are mathematically out of the IPL 2025 playoffs. The final spot now becomes a heated battle between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC). Both teams will be looking to seize this opportunity as the league stage nears its climax.
Meanwhile, SRH — despite their playoff exit — showcased the kind of performance that fans had expected throughout the season. Their display against LSG was a reminder of their untapped potential and promises exciting prospects for IPL 2026.
Conclusion: SRH’s Statement Win and LSG’s Missed Opportunity
Sunrisers Hyderabad delivered a powerful statement with this victory, reminding the league of their batting depth and fearless approach. Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking innings, coupled with sharp bowling in the death overs, proved too much for an inconsistent LSG outfit.
As the tournament moves towards its final stages, LSG will reflect on what could have been, while SRH signs off with a memorable triumph — one that will be remembered for one of the fastest and most impactful fifties in IPL history.
