HIGHLIGHTS RCB vs SRH IPL 2025 Match 65 - Result, Scorecard

We are back for the chase! Pat Cummins is rallying his troops onto the field as they spread out and take their respective field positions. Phil Salt and Virat Kohli are the two openers for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and they need to give a good start if they want to have any chance of chasing this one. Sachin Baby is on the field replacing Ishan Kishan, who is suffering from dehydration after that fine knock. That means Heinrich Klaasen will keep wickets for SRH. Also, Harsh Dubey comes in as the Impact Sub for them in place of Travis Head. Skipper, Pat Cummins, to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be quite disappointed with their bowling display today - a performance that clearly highlighted just how crucial Josh Hazlewood is to their attack. Lungi Ngidi and Bhuvi did well in removing the dangerous openers early in the Powerplay, but they struggled to contain the run flow thereafter. The spinners leaked plenty in the middle overs, even though they managed to grab a couple of wickets. Romario Shepherd’s two-wicket spell proved to be a key moment, or RCB could have been staring at a target closer to 250. A top-two finish is still within reach, but they'll need a monumental effort with the bat to chase down what would be the highest total in their IPL history. Join us in a bit for the second essay.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma is up for a quick chat with the broadcasters. On being asked about the nature of the wicket, he admits that it was a bit tricky and wasn't easy to bat on. Details that when they played the first over, he and Head spoke that it was the best wicket they have got this season. Says that they aimed at getting 230-240. Mentions that every batter came out with intent. About Ishan Kishan's batting, Sharma says that he was tremendous. He hopes to get to bowl in every match, but also says that it all depends on how Cummins thinks about the situation.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad openers came out firing, showing clear intent and racing to 50 in no time. However, neither could capitalise on their starts. Enter Ishan Kishan - and he reminded everyone why he’s regarded as one of India’s brightest batting prospects. He made it all look effortless, dispatching bowlers to all parts of the ground with ease. Heinrich Klaasen and Aniket Verma chipped in with brisk cameos to maintain the momentum. Kishan, meanwhile, brought up a superb half-century and remained unbeaten on 94 off 48, powering SRH to a total beyond the 230 mark.

A sensational batting performance from Sunrisers Hyderabad! This is the brand of cricket everyone anticipated from them all season, but it came a little too late. Still, it offers a clear reminder of just how lethal they can be against any bowling attack. If they can bring this level of consistency in the future, they'll be a serious force to reckon with in the seasons ahead.

Yash Dayal to Ishan Kishan, He bowls out a slower bouncer on the middle, this is pulled by Ishan Kishan a bit aerially, towards deep fine leg. The ball reaches the fielder on a couple of bounces and the batters cross over for a single. An expensive final over from Yash Dayal as he goes for 15 runs! SRH FINISH AT 231/6!

Yash Dayal to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Bread and butter for Ishan! A half volley around off, Ishan Kishan finds the ball in his hitting arc and swings through the line, depositing it well behind long off for a six. Ishan moves into the 90s now!

Yash Dayal to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! WHAT A SHOT! Yash Dayal bowls it wide of off, it is the slower one on a length, Ishan Kishan first shuffles to the leg side, but throws his bat at it, hitting it through the off side. While doing so, he falls over as he loses his balance, but gets the ball past the cover-point fielder for a boundary.

Yash Dayal to Ishan Kishan, An in-dipping low full toss, on off, at just 102.8 kph, Ishan Kishan heaves it across off the toe-end of the bat for a quick couple of runs.

Yash Dayal to Pat Cummins, Slower one, across off on a length, Pat Cummins shuffles across to drag the pull shot, but chops it off the inside edge of the bat. The ball passes over the stumps and rolls to short fine leg. One taken.

Halt! Oh..no! It looks like Tim David has done his hamstring while fielding that ball. He signals to the physio straightaway and walks off the field. Hopefully, it is nothing serious, as he is a key player for RCB. Also, Jacob Bethell comes in to replace him in the field.

Yash Dayal to Ishan Kishan, A low full toss from Dayal, on the pads, Ishan Kishan whips it aerially behind square. Tim David runs across to his left from deep square leg and manages to cut it off and restricting the batters to just a single. But, while doing so, he pulls off his hamstring and straightaway calls for the physio.

Yash Dayal to bowl the last over. He has conceded 21 runs in his 2 overs. Also, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been penalised for Slow Over Rate and will have to keep one extra fielder inside the circle.

Lungi Ngidi to Pat Cummins, IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Lungi Ngidi with a valiant effort, but shells it down eventually. A slower ball again from the South African, fuller than a length, at the stumps. Pat Cummins is early into the shot, trying to loft it over the bowler. But ends up slicing it off the toe end of the bat. The ball is aired over around the mid off region. With no one to catch, Lungi Ngidi himself backtracks and attempts for the catch. Even gets his hands to the ball, but just doesn't cling on while tumbling. Two taken.

Lungi Ngidi to Pat Cummins, SIX! A superb connection and the skipper Cummins, joins the party now! Over the top of middle, jagging back in a bit as well. Pat Cummins picks it up and whips it across, depositing it behind deep mid-wicket for a six.

Lungi Ngidi to Pat Cummins, Nice and full, keeping it away from the batter's hitting arc, outside off, Pat Cummins swings for the hills but misses.

Lungi Ngidi to Pat Cummins, A slower ball, well outside off, Pat Cummins is months early to pull this length ball. He airs it over mid-wicket, but luckily for him, there's no protection over there. Phil Salt charges from the deep and by the time, the batters take two.

Lungi Ngidi to Pat Cummins, Shorter length, over the top of middle, Pat Cummins swats it aerially over mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, A slower ball, outside off, pitching fuller, Ishan Kishan hits it down to long off for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, Full and around off, drilled to long off for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, SIX! A low full toss on off, Ishan Kishan picks up nicely, however, his bottom hand comes off the handle, but still, he maintains a good balance and timing, and parks it behind long on for a cracking six.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, A review taken by RCB for wide given. Bhuvi bowls a wide yorker, just around the tramline. Ishan Kishan switches his stance and tries to scoop it over short fine leg, but misses. The replay comes up with a guideline and the ball is passing beyond it. However, RCB players are not pleased with the decision as they discuss with the umpire about the guideline moving further in an equivalent amount with the foot moving across. The revised guideline now comes up and shows the ball to be passing well within it. Hence, the on-field decision is reversed.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, A yorker, on off, Ishan Kishan shovels it into the cover region and calls for the second. Runs the first one hard and runs for the second by gallopping across.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Nicely played! A low full toss, on off, Ishan Kishan smashes it just above Tim David who leaps over cover, but couldn't reach it. The ball races away to the fence.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, BUZZERS! A low full toss angling away outside off. Ishan drives it to extra cover, from where the throw isn't collected well by Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the bowling end, which allows a second run.

Pat Cummins walks out to bat now.

Romario Shepherd to Abhinav Manohar, OUT! IN THE AIR AND SALT TAKES IT! SRH are six down now as Romario Shepherd picks up his second wicket! This is on the shorter side of the pitch, climbing on the shoulder height of the batter. Abhinav Manohar looks to hook it over deep mid-wicket, but ends up mistiming it, hitting it nowhere off the middle of the bat. Goes through the shot and airs it straight towards deep mid-wicket, where Phil Salt settles under it. He tries to snaffle it, but somehow, the ball slips through his palms. He juggles a bit and takes it in the second attempt.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, Drags the length back, on off, Ishan Kishan looks to work it to the leg side, but ends up fending it to the off side for a single.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, SIX! OH, HELLO? Goes for another yorker, does Romario Shepherd, but ends up offering a low full toss outside off, Ishan Kishan fetches the ball from the fifth stump, and sweeps it behind deep fine leg for a six.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, Serves another wide yorker, outside off, but inside the guideline this time. Ishan Kishan looks to jam it out but misses.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, WIDE! Strays a slower one, 113 kph, beyond the tramline on the off side. Ishan Kishan leaves it alone. Wide called.

Romario Shepherd to Abhinav Manohar, Short pitched, around the shoulder height, Abhinav Manohar pulls it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a single.

Romario Shepherd to Abhinav Manohar, Hard length, over the top of off, Abhinav Manohar tucks across with soft hands as the ball rolls towards deep mid-wicket. By the time the fielder from the deep picks up, the batters scamper through for the second.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhinav Manohar, A low full toss this time around, Abhinav Manohar pushes it straight down to long off for a single. Despite the six, this over goes for just 9 runs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's figures read 3-0-28-1.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, At 134.6 kph, full and on leg, drilled down to long on for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhinav Manohar, Hard length, around off, Abhinav Manohar slices it through backward point for a single. Brings Ishan on the strike now.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhinav Manohar, SIX! Breaks the shackles with a magnificent hit! Bhuvi bowls it short and keeps it outside off. Abhinav Manohar has enough room to work with as he gets on top of the bounce, and just cuts it aerially and behind deep backward point for a six.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhinav Manohar, Two dots on the trot! Back of a length, outside off, slashed hard, but straight to the cover fielder.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhinav Manohar, Hits the deck hard, does Bhuvi, around off, Abhinav Manohar punches it off the back foot to short cover.

Romario Shepherd to Abhinav Manohar, Back of a length and on fof, Abhinav Manohar dabs it towards point for one. Just 3 runs and a wicket off the over. Superb stuff!

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have pulled things back a bit, but they still need to execute their plans well in the death. Reminder that the highest total they have chased this season is 175, so this is going to be well beyond that. We have got a game on our hands.

Romario Shepherd to Abhinav Manohar, Goes fuller but down the leg sie, Abhinav Manohar misses his flick. Wided.

Romario Shepherd to Abhinav Manohar, Beaten! Hits the hard length, on off, holds the line. Abhinav Manohar has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, Short of a length and outside off, Ishan Kishan cuts it to deep point for a run.

As the ball rammed into Abhinav Manohar's helmet, a mandatory concussion test is underway for him. The physio is out to do the formalities. Manohar looks fine to continue.

Romario Shepherd to Abhinav Manohar, Fiery! Romario Shepherd bangs in another sharp bouncer, pace on this time. Abhinav Manohar is very late to react as he is not expecting that. The ball hits his helmet and flies towards third man. A leg bye is taken.

Abhinav Manohar walks to bat at 7.

Romario Shepherd to Nitish Kumar Reddy, OUT! TAKEN! Romario Shepherd gets a wicket in his first over! A soft dismissal and Nitish Kumar Reddy falls cheaply. A good bouncer, on middle, takes pace off too. Reddy looks to pull it over his head but takes his eyes off the ball. It takes the top edge and flies straight to short fine, where Krunal Pandya takes a dolly. SRH lose half their side now as Nitish Kumar Reddy departs for 4 (7).

Romario Shepherd to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Fuller and on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy drills it down the pitch where Romario Shepherd stops it with his right foot.

Romario Shepherd is introduced into the attack now. He replaces Lungi Ngidi.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Another short delivery, on off, Ishan Kishan backs away and punches it straight to extra covers.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Nicely played! Flighted, full and on middle. Ishan Kishan steps across a bit and slogs it away between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.

Krunal Pandya to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Drags his length back, on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy slaps it to long on for another run.

Krunal Pandya to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tossed up, full and on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy knocks it down the pitch.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Short again and around off, Ishan Kishan cuts it through point for a single.

It looks like something has gone in Ishan Kishan's eyes and he is trying to remove it with a towel. All set to continue.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, FIFTY FOR KISHAN! His second of the season, and he has been quite superb here. Just playing to his strengths and not forcing anything. This is short and on middle, Ishan Kishan nudges it towards deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second run.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Sunrisers Hyderabad have lost wickets at regular intervals, but a big positive for them is that all the incoming batters have displayed that aggressive intent. Heinrich Klaasen and Aniket Verma played handy cameos, while Ishan Kishan is looking a bit more composed on the crease, nearing his half century. With seven overs remaining, SRH are already eyeing a total in excess of 220, on a pitch where the first innings' average score hovers around 160-170. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have managed to pick up wickets, but have also leaked runs at an enormous rate, especially their spinners, who have taken a tour around the park. They will look to stem the run flow in the backend of the innings and restrict SRH to a total as low as possible, while the Sunrisers would want Ishan Kishan to bat till the end. Here's Krunal Pandya into the attack after the break. He will wrap his spell for the evening and his figures read 3-0-30-1 so far.

Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, On a length and on leg, Ishan Kishan nudges it to deep square leg for one more.

Lungi Ngidi to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pitched up and on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy clips it through mid-wicket for one.

Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, A good yorker now, on off, Ishan Kishan jams it out towards long on for another run.

Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Good shot! A slower one, full and around off. Ishan Kishan almost gets deceived by the lack of pace but does well to loft it over mid off for a boundary. 150 up for SRH now!

Lungi Ngidi to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Fuller and on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy eases it towards long on for a run.

Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, Back of a length and on middle, Ishan Kishan works it towards mid on for a single.

Lungi Ngidi returns into the attack. He is 2-0-29-1 so far, and replaces Suyash Sharma.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Goes short and on middle, Ishan Kishan pulls it to deep square leg for one more. A wicket and 15 runs off the over!

Krunal Pandya to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Quicker, full and on leg, Nitish Kumar Reddy flicks it through square leg for one.

Nitish Kumar Reddy is in at number 6 for the Sunrisers.

Krunal Pandya to Aniket Verma, OUT! TAKEN! Krunal Pandya has the last laugh here! He slows it up a bit, full and on middle, turns away a bit. Aniket Verma backs away and tries to slog it across the line but only manages a top edge due to the spin. The ball loops up in the air towards point where two fielders get underneath, including Lungi Ngidi and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. But in the end it is Bhuvneshwar Kumar who calls for it, and takes the catch to his left, as Ngidi just backs off a few steps. Verma goes back after a fiery 26 off just 9 balls, and SRH are 146/4!

Krunal Pandya to Aniket Verma, SIX! That's just a gift! A juicy full toss around off. Aniket Verma stays firmly in his crease, reaches out and smashes it over the long off fence for yet another biggie.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Short and on leg, Ishan Kishan nudges it thorugh mid-wicket for one.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Into the stands! Floated, full and around leg. Ishan Kishan makes a bit of room early, gets down on one knee and nails the slog sweep over the deep square leg fence for half a dozen more.

Suyash Sharma to Aniket Verma, SIX! Aniket Verma is playing a blinder here! Flighted delivery, full and on off, turns away a bit. Verma gets right underneath that one and dispatches it over the long off fence for another biggie. 19 runs off the over!

Suyash Sharma to Aniket Verma, FOUR! SHORT AND PUNISHED! A half-tracker, on middle. Aniket Verma rocks back quickly and pulls it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Quicker, short and on off, Ishan Kishan swats it to long off for another run.

Suyash Sharma to Aniket Verma, A googly now, short and on middle, turns in, Aniket Verma clips it through square leg for a run.

Suyash Sharma to Aniket Verma, SIX! Clears the fence with ease! Tossed up, full and on off. Aniket Verma gets his front leg out of the way and pumps it with the turn over the long off fence for a biggie.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Short and around off, Ishan Kishan forces it towards long off for a single.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, A seam-up delivery by the looks of it, quicker at 100.7 kph, fuller and on middle and leg, Ishan Kishan works across the line and clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Halfway through the first innings and Sunrisers Hyderabad are 113/3.

Krunal Pandya to Aniket Verma, Floated up, fuller and on off, Aniket Verma slogs off the inside half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Pitched fuller at 91 kph, on middle and leg, Ishan Kishan tries to clip it across, but the ball takes the leading edge and rolls to deep backward point for a single.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Slapped away! Too short and too quick from Krunal, around middle, Ishan Kishan swivels and pulls it comfortably behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Length is pushed back a bit, across off, Ishan Kishan gets across and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Krunal Pandya to Aniket Verma, Pushed through, full and on middle, 101.4 kph, Aniket Verma leans ahead and drives down to long off for a single.

Suyash Sharma to Aniket Verma, A deceptive googly again, on a shortish length, at the pads, Aniket Verma hangs back and steers it away to deep mid-wicket for a single. A 14-run over from Suyash Sharma, but he and RCB will take it as they did get to see the back of the dangerous-looking Heinrich Klaasen as well.

Aniket Verma is the next man in.

Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! CAUGHT! Couldn't be a more better redemption for Suyash Sharma this! He darts in a quicker wrong'un, drifting into the batter, on the leg stump line. Heinrich Klaasen gets lured and attempts to smack the ball behind long, but the ball is a bit too full and hence, Klaasen doesn't time the ball well. It goes off the toe end and travels straight into the safe hands of Romario Shepherd at long on. Heinrich Klaasen departs on 24 (13) and Sunrisers Hyderabad slip down to 102/3 now.

Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, FOUR! The 100 is up for Sunrisers Hyderabad! Drifted down the leg side, on a fullish length, Heinrich Klaasen helps it on its way and tickles past short fine leg for a boundary.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, A googly dished out, on a length, outside off, Ishan Kishan rocks back and cuts it to deep point for a single. The partnership moves to 44 off 25 balls.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Pulled away! Drags the length back, does Suyash Sharma now, turning into the batter. Ishan Kishan picks the length in a trice and pulls it towards the left of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Just over the infield! A leg break from around the stumps, fuller and on off, Ishan Kishan spreads across the pitch getting on his knee and hammers it over the leaping Virat Kohli at cover for a boundary.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, At 99.5 kph, on a length, around middle and off, Ishan Kishan hangs back and tucks it to the vacant mid on region. Krunal Pandya chases the ball himself as there's no protection there. Gets to the ball quickly and keeps the batters to a single. A tidy start for Krunal! Just 5 conceded off his opener!

Krunal Pandya to Heinrich Klaasen, Full and quick, on middle, curving the ball into the batter, Heinrich Klaasen heaves off the inner half of the bat to deep square leg and gets a single.

Krunal Pandya to Heinrich Klaasen, Attacks the stumps, quicker at 102 kph, full in length. Heinrich Klaasen creates some space to smash it through the off side, but almost chops it off the inner half of the bat onto the pitch.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Flatter and quicker through the air, on a yard behind fuller length, Ishan Kishan gets across a bit and nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Krunal Pandya to Heinrich Klaasen, Floated up, full and on middle, Heinrich Klaasen makes some room for himself and works it down to long off for a single.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Starts from around the stumps, does Krunal, bowling it fuller and on the leg stump, Ishan Kishan plays it with the spin and works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Strategic Break! Sunrisers Hyderabad are going at over 10 runs per over, despite losing both the openers. Heinrich Klaasen looks in a dangerous mood, and Ishan Kishan will want to complement him, marching towards a big total here. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will know that, after these two, the middle order haven't done much, so a couple of wickets and they will be on top of the game. This is nicely poised at the moment, and we can expect an exciting phase of cricket next. Also, Krunal Pandya to bowl after the break.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Pitched fuller and around off, Ishan Kishan gets forward with a huge stride and drives it along the ground to long off. One taken. 13 off this over, 27 from the last two for SRH!

Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, Darted onto the pads, on a length, Heinrich Klaasen misses to glance across the line and the ball grazes off his thigh pad towards short fine leg. They cross for a leg bye.

Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, SIX! Well, it is raining sixes here! Landed right into the slot, full and around middle, Heinrich Klaasen with a free-flow of the bat, detects the wrong'un quickly and sends it sailing 85 meters behind long on for a six.

Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, FOUR! Power and delicacy! Sprayed onto the pads by Suyash, on a length, Heinrich Klaasen tickles it very fine and picks up a boundary at deep fine leg.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Across off, at 89.8 kph, full in length, Ishan Kishan lunges forward and drills it down to long off for a single.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Suyash Sharma is into the attack now. He bowls a fuller ball, on off, with a good flight, Ishan Kishan leans forward and pushes it to cover.

Lungi Ngidi to Heinrich Klaasen, SIX! THAT'S DISAPPEARED! Sheer Klaasen power! On a good length, angling on the stumps, sitting up nicely for the batter. Heinrich Klaasen creates a stable base for himself before mercilessly pulling it behind deep mid-wicket for a six. That has gone rows back into the stands. That was a six at any ground across the globe! Sunrisers Hyderabad end their Powerplay with a 14-run over. They are 71/2.

Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, In the air...safe! Back of a length, just around off, Ishan Kishan dances down the track, and mistimes the ball by slicing it up in the air, but luckily for him, the ball lands behind the backtracking cover fielder. A single taken.

Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Hammered down the ground! A slower one again from Lungi Ngidi, but a nice juicy half volley, on off, Ishan Kishan gets the ball in the slot and drills it to the right of long on for a cracking boundary.

Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, Nagging length, angling on the off stump, Ishan Kishan respects it and blocks it straight back to the bowler.

Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, Around the stumps now, a slower ball, full and around off, Ishan Kishan leans on to push into the off side, but is a bit early into the shot. Gets a thick inside edge and the ball rolls behind square to the leg side. By the time the deep backward square leg fielder mops it up, the batters hare back for the second.

Lungi Ngidi to Heinrich Klaasen, A slip in place and Ngidi bowls it on a length, on top of off, Heinrich Klaasen lets the ball arrive and guides it past backward point for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, DROPPED! A tough chance though! Good length but down the leg side, Ishan Kishan looks to flick it but tickles it behind the stumps. Jitesh Sharma dives to his right to grab it with his outstretched glove, but it just parries away. He chases after it and slides to push it back inside. Two runs taken.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Heinrich Klaasen, Run out chance...missed! Short of a length and on off, Heinrich Klaasen punches it towards covers and sets off for the run. Romario Shepherd picks up and has a shy at the batter's end but misses with Kishan nowhere near the crease. Could have been disastrous for SRH.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Heinrich Klaasen, Pitched up and on middle, Heinrich Klaasen blocks it out.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Heinrich Klaasen, Back of a length and on middle, Heinrich Klaasen pats it towards mid on.

Heinrich Klaasen is in at 4 for the Sunrisers.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Travis Head, OUT! TAKEN! Bhuvneshwar Kumar strikes now! A double strike for RCB and they are right back in the game. This is a slower one, the knuckle ball bowled on a hard length and around off. Travis Head looks to loft it down the ground, but is a bit early into his shot. He loses his bottom hand and ends up slicing it straight to mid off where Romario Shepherd takes a comfortable catch. SRH lose both the openers in the space of 3 balls. Travis Head departs for 17 off 10 and SRH are 54/2 now, in some trouble.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Travis Head, Fuller and on middle, Travis Head drives it straight to covers.

Ishan Kishan is in at 3. Also, a change in bowling as Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back on. Went for 18 off his first over. He replaces Yash Dayal.

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, OUT! TAKEN! Lungi Ngidi gets a huge wicket here and provides the first breakthrough for his side! He serves this one full and angling into the pads. Abhishek Sharma picks it up nicely and whips it away. He connects well, but unfortunately straight towards the deep backward square leg fielder. Phil Salt runs a bit to his left and takes a good catch. Abhishek departs after a quick-fire 34 off just 17, and SRH are 54/1!

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Innovative and effective! Change of pace again, hard length and around leg. Abhishek Sharma shuffles across quickly and scoops it to the fine leg fence for another boundary. This brings up Abhishek Sharma's 4000 runs in all T20s! A massive feat for the left-hander at such a young age.

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, Slower one, on a length and on leg, Abhishek Sharma pats it to point.

Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! Wow, what a shot! Lungi Ngidi bangs this into the pitch again, on off. Abhishek Sharma backs away to access the off side and carves it so well that it goes all the way over extra covers for a biggie. 50 up for SRH in no time!

Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, Back of a length and on middle, Travis Head mistimes his pull on the bounce to deep square leg for a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, FOUR! Welcome to the match, Lungi Ngidi! This is short of a length and on off. Travis Head gets on top of the bounce quickly and heaves it away through mid-wiclet for a boundary.

Bhuvi to continue? Nope. The first bowling change for RCB. Here's Lungi Ngidi into the attack.

Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, Swing and a miss! Good length and around middle, Abhishek Sharma skips down the track to go big down the ground but misses as the ball just goes over the stumps. End of an eventful over!

Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, Yash Dayal follows the batter and bangs in a good short ball, on leg, Abhishek Sharma backs away and tries to cut but fails to connect.

Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! He does not miss this time! Fuller one and on middle, in the slot as well. Abhishek Sharma clears his front leg away and tonks it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, Good reply! Yash Dayal bangs in a sharp bouncer, on middle, gets some extra bounce again. Abhishek Sharma looks to pull it away but misses.

Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, A big appeal for caught behind, but turned down! Short of a length and outside off, takes off sharply. Abhishek Sharma looks to cut but misses as Jitesh Sharma grabs it behind the stumps. Dayal and the keeper both look confident and think of going for the review. Scratch that - the siren goes off and Dayal has overstepped here, so nothing else matters. It is a No Ball and a Free Hit is up next.

Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Cracking shot! Pitched up and just outside off. Abhishek Sharma gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it over covers for a boundary.

Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, Fuller one and around off, shaping away, Abhishek Sharma lofts it over extra covers for a brace.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhishek Sharma, Sees the batter advance and serves this on a hard length, on leg. Abhishek Sharma gets cramped and misses as the ball deflects off the pads towards short fine. Another leg bye.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! BANG! The sweet sound of the bat! Bhuvneshwar Kumar bangs this one into the pitch, on middle sits up nicely for the batter. Abhishek Sharma hangs back in the crease and hammers it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Up and over! Hits the length hard and on middle and off. Abhishek Sharma goes a bit inside out and slices it over extra covers for a boundary. The SRH openers look in the mood here.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Travis Head, On a length and around leg, Travis Head misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads to the leg side. A leg bye is taken.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Travis Head, Back of a length and on off, Travis Head backs away to cut it but gets an inside edge wide of fine leg for a brace.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Travis Head, FOUR! Put away! Bhuvneshwar Kumar begins with a good-length delivery, but strays on the pads. Travis Head glances it away nicely to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to operate from the far end.

Yash Dayal to Travis Head, The stumps act as a fielder there! Good length and on off, Travis Head forces it down the pitch where it hits the wickets at the non-striker's end and deflects towards mid-wicket. They cross. 8 runs off the first over!

Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, Pitches it up, on off, swings in a long way, Abhishek Sharma drills it through point for one.

Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, Back of a length and on off, Abhishek Sharma bunts it towards the slip cordon.

Yash Dayal to Travis Head, Short of a length and around off, Travis Head punches it through cover-point for a run.

Yash Dayal to Travis Head, FOUR! Travis Head gets off the mark with a boundary! Goes fuller and well outside off. Head does really well to reach out for it. He loses his balance but still connects with the ball. It is not from the middle of the but but races through the covers, beating the chasing fielder for four runs. First one of the game!

Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, Ooo...streaky! Yash Dayal starts with a hard-length delivery, on off, shaping in. Abhishek Sharma stays back and looks to push it away, but gets an inside edge just past the leg stump and towards backward square leg. A single is taken.

In all readiness for the action to get underway at Lucknow! It is warm and humid out there, and it is a full house nonetheless. The two umpires walk out to the center. The players of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, under the leadership of Jitesh Sharma for tonight, spread out to their respective fielding positions. Out walks the destructive opening pair for SRH, fondly known as 'Travishek', as Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma walk to the crease. Yash Dayal to open the attack for RCB. Abhishek to face the first ball. Off we go...

Pat Cummins, the skipper of Sunrisers Hyderabad, says that they have shown some good signs in the last couple of games. Adds that this is the first year of the three-year cycle and they need to keep most of the squad together. Mentions that they have to be more consistent, they chased down 200 quite easily but they need to do it more often. Says that he has been bowling with Shami and getting ready for Test cricket. Informs Travis Head, Abhinav Manohar, and Jaydev Unadkat come back in the team.

Jitesh Sharma, captaining Royal Challengers Bengaluru for tonight's game, acknowledges that it's his first time leading RCB. However, he recalls previously captaining Punjab Kings, coincidentally against the Sunrisers. He describes the surface as unfamiliar to the team, making the decision to bowl first a strategic one. Sharma expresses confidence in the squad’s progress, emphasizing their goal to finish among the top two. He assures that the team remains focused, refusing to be complacent, and is determined to win every match and ultimately the title. Concludes by informing that Rajat Patidar will come in as the Impact Sub, and Mayank Agarwal comes in for the injured Devdutt Padikkal.

Impact Players for Sunrisers Hyderabad - Mohammad Shami, Harsh Dubey, Sachin Baby, Zeeshan Ansari, Simarjeet Singh.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI) - Travis Head (In for Kamindu Mendis), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar (In for Harsh Dubey), Pat Cummins (C), Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat (In for Zeeshan Ansari), Eshan Malinga.

Impact Players for Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Rajat Patidar, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (In for Jacob Bethell), Mayank Agarwal, Jitesh Sharma (C/WK), Romario Shepherd, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma (In for Rajat Patidar).

TOSS - Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won the toss and elected to BOWL first.

UPDATE - Jitesh Sharma is stepping out for the toss as the skipper of Royal Challengers Bengaluru which suggests Rajat Patidar is missing out and may come in as Impact Sub.

PITCH REPORT - Matthew Hayden and Aaron Finch provide their insights from the pitchside. Hayden notes that pitch number 4 will be in use for this match, highlighting an asymmetry in dimensions as it is 67 meters and 60 meters on the squares, with a 74-meter straight hit down the ground. Finch chimes in, remarking on the unusually dark color of the pitch and the presence of a decent grass covering. He points out some patchiness and dryness underneath, suggesting that the surface will likely offer grip, favoring spinners. For seamers, taking pace off the ball could be effective, as it might hold up on the pitch. He predicts that a score of 180+ would be competitive, but remains uncertain about how easy it will be to play through the line.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, have endured a tough campaign, but they'll take heart from their recent win that brought a bit of joy to an otherwise forgettable season. Abhishek Sharma was the star with the bat, and all eyes will be on whether Travis Head returns to the XI after missing out due to COVID protocols. Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy have chipped in with useful contributions, and it was encouraging to see Ishan Kishan finally spend some time in the middle. Skipper Pat Cummins continues to be a vital presence both with the ball and as a leader — while Harshal Patel and young Eshan Malinga provide the cutting edge in the bowling department. With nothing to lose, SRH will be keen to play fearless cricket and give their fans something to cheer for. That freedom could make them a dangerous unit. RCB may be favourites on paper, but if the Sunrisers’ batters hit their stride, they could well spoil the party. Stay tuned for the toss and all the updates!

Royal Challengers Bengaluru return to action after a lengthy break, with their last outing - a key clash against KKR unfortunately washed out. The gap in fixtures could be a double-edged sword: on one hand, it’s given players like Rajat Patidar some much-needed time to recover and recharge, but on the other, it may have disrupted their momentum. Virat Kohli has been a standout performer, leading from the front with the bat, while Phil Salt provided a solid spark earlier in the campaign. The middle order has clicked into gear as well, with Tim David and Romario Shepherd adding firepower when it matters most. Even after losing Hazlewood to injury, the bowling attack hasn’t lost its edge — Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Lungi Ngidi have stepped up admirably, and Suyash Sharma has impressed with his tidy and effective spin. This RCB unit has functioned like a well-drilled machine so far, but as the business end approaches, they’ll need to hold their nerve and back themselves to go all the way.

Hello and a very warm welcome, folks! The playoffs lineup may be locked in, but there's still plenty of drama and motivation left in the IPL 2025 league stage. We're coming to you from the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in a relocated clash moved from Bengaluru due to persistent weather concerns. For RCB, it’s not just another game - a win here is crucial to bolster their chances of a top-two finish. As for SRH, they may be out of the playoff race, but they’ll be keen to play spoiler and finish the season on a high.

... MATCH DAY ...

The Indian Premier League 2025 is charging toward the playoffs at breakneck speed after its unexpected pause, and the top four teams are now locked in, ready to battle for the coveted top-two spots that offer a double shot at the title. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are perched pretty in the second position, eyeing a chart-topping finish as they face the already-ousted Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 65. RCB have been nearly flawless this season, dishing out dominant displays with barely a misstep. The legendary Virat Kohli has been a run-scoring machine, racking up 505 runs in 11 matches, including a record-breaking seven half-centuries, anchoring the batting lineup like a rock. With Devdutt Padikkal sidelined by injury, the gap between Kohli and the next best batter is glaring, and if Virat doesn’t fire, RCB could be in trouble. The return of Phil Salt is uncertain, but if he is in, this might shake up the top order, putting young Englishman Jacob Bethell's spot in jeopardy despite his knack for seizing chances. The middle order, led by skipper Rajat Patidar, has been patchy lately, but finishers like Romario Shepherd and Tim David pack a lethal punch. Even without Josh Hazlewood, who’s out injured for a couple of games, RCB’s bowling unit has stepped up, with their death-over mastery propelling. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal have done exceptionally well in that phase to save the days for RCB. Meanwhile, SRH are playing for pride in their final two games after a lackluster season. Still, they’ve shown they can chase down monster totals, crossing 200 in three of their four wins - one while setting a target and two in chases, including a jaw-dropping 245-run takedown of Punjab Kings. Abhishek Sharma, after a mid-season slump, is finding his groove again, but the ‘Travishek’ spark with Travis Head fizzled out this year. With Head now out with COVID-19, Ishan Kishan has grabbed the opening slot and is starting to click. Heinrich Klaasen has been SRH’s rock, anchoring the middle order with consistent, game-changing knocks, while Kamindu Mendis' late inclusion has added some spark. On the bowling front, SRH’s attack looks strong on paper but has been hit-and-miss. Mohammad Shami, back from injury, hasn’t found his rhythm, and while Pat Cummins has had moments of brilliance, the unit lacks the clutch factor when it matters most. With two games left, SRH are eyeing next season’s blueprint while aiming to go out swinging. RCB are shaking off a 20-day match drought after their KKR clash got rained out, and now they’re thrown a curveball as Match 65 against Sunrisers Hyderabad moves from Bengaluru’s home comforts to Lucknow’s neutral Ekana Stadium, thanks to unpredictable weather. This one-off duel with SRH, who hold a 13-11 edge in their head-to-head, spices things up with a dose of unpredictability. The Orange Army is out to boost that lead and play spoiler, while RCB are all-in to snatch two crucial points and cement their top-two spot. Buckle up for a high-octane clash in Lucknow.