Ishan Kishan Eshan Malinga Derail RCB’s Top-2 Finish Hopes in IPL 2025-
An unbeaten 94-run knock from Ishan Kishan combined with a momentum-shifting over by Eshan Malinga dealt a significant blow to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s aspirations of finishing in the top two of IPL 2025. Although RCB still has a shot at securing a playoff cushion, their fate now rests on other results following a missed opportunity in Lucknow on Friday (May 23).
Turning Point of the Match
The match tilted dramatically in the final moments. Up until then, the game remained balanced and could have gone either way. RCB seemed in control and were aware of the task at hand during the last five overs. However, Eshan Malinga’s decisive over, which included a run out and two wickets, turned the tide completely in SRH’s favor.
Sunrisers Hyderabad Innings
Powerplay: Boundary Blitz
Phase score: 71/2 | RR: 11.83 | 4s/6s: 7/4
Travis Head began with a boundary in the first over, but Abhishek Sharma inflicted major early damage. Bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, and Lungi Ngidi faced his wrath as Abhishek smashed three boundaries and cleared the ropes three times. Though Ngidi managed to dismiss Abhishek with a flick caught at deep, SRH had already tallied 54 runs by the fourth over. Head’s mistimed shot in the next over handed Bhuvneshwar a wicket. Despite that, Kishan and Klaasen maintained momentum by striking a boundary each in the sixth over, ensuring SRH dominated the powerplay.
Middle Overs: Classic SRH Approach
Phase score: 97/3 | RR: 10.77 | 4s/6s: 7/6
Klaasen began post-powerplay aggression by dispatching Suyash Sharma for a four and six. Krunal Pandya offered some control, but Suyash’s return saw more boundaries. Klaasen then fell attempting a big shot, but newcomer Aniket Verma kept the aggression going, hammering 26 off just 9 deliveries. Although Nitish Reddy had a quiet outing, Kishan, who had crossed his half-century, remained crucial as SRH aimed for a huge finish.
Death Overs: Kishan Powers SRH to 231
Phase score: 63/1 | RR: 12.6 | 4s/6s: 2/5
Kishan expertly handled the death overs, helping SRH post an intimidating 231. Romario Shepherd bowled a quality spell, including the wicket of Abhinav Manohar, but Kishan continued to attack. His scoop shot for six and boundaries against Bhuvneshwar were highlights. Pat Cummins chipped in before Kishan took control again, finishing on a magnificent unbeaten 94.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings
Powerplay: Kohli Leads the Charge
Phase score: 72/0 | RR: 12 | 4s/6s: 9/2
Virat Kohli was the standout in the powerplay, scoring freely. He hit three boundaries off Cummins and two more off Harshal Patel. A no-ball saved Salt early, and he made the most of it later by attacking Jaydev Unadkat and Eshan Malinga. By the end of six overs, RCB were slightly ahead of SRH with 72 runs and no loss.
Middle Overs: RCB Keep Up
Phase score: 95/3 | RR: 10.55 | 4s/6s: 5/6
The breakthrough came immediately after the powerplay as Harsh Dubey dismissed Kohli. Salt stepped up and scored a brisk half-century off just 27 balls. At the halfway point, RCB were slightly ahead. However, the game turned when Agarwal and Salt fell in quick succession. Jitesh Sharma’s quick-fire 20 brought hope, but Nitish Reddy’s over without a boundary pulled things back for SRH.
Death Overs: Malinga Seals the Deal
Phase score: 22/7 | RR: 4.55 | 4s/6s: 2/0
SRH took control in the death overs, thanks to Malinga’s brilliance. He ran out Rajat Patidar with a direct hit and followed up with a slower delivery to dismiss Shepherd. Jitesh fell shortly after, and a limping Tim David was unable to shift momentum. Malinga delivered three dot balls to David and dismissed him soon after. That ended any remaining hopes for RCB as they collapsed dramatically.
Match Summary
Sunrisers Hyderabad 231/6 in 20 overs
(Ishan Kishan 94, Abhishek Sharma 34; Romario Shepherd 2/14)*
beat
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 189 in 19.5 overs
(Phil Salt 62, Virat Kohli 43; Pat Cummins 3/28, Eshan Malinga 2/37)
by 42 runs
What’s Next?
SRH, buoyed by this convincing win, head to Delhi for their last league match against Kolkata Knight Riders. RCB, on the other hand, will face Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday (May 27) in the season’s final league game. Their qualification chances now depend on other outcomes, but they will know what’s required by the time they step onto the field.
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