As the league phase of IPL 2025 is about to come to an end, on May 23, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will meet Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 65 at 7:30 PM IST. It will be played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, moved from Bengaluru due to storms/floods in South India. With 17 points already, RCB has qualified for the playoffs but is now pushing to finish in the top two in order to get an advantage in the playoffs. SRH, meanwhile, has been eliminated and will be looking to end their campaign on a positive note and take RCB's momentum. 

Ekana Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 19
• Batting 1st Won: 8
• Batting 2nd Won: 10
• No Result: 1
• Highest Total: 235/6 by Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2024
• Lowest Total: 108 all out by Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2023
• Highest Run-chase: 199/3 in 19 overs by Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2024
• Lowest Total Defended: 126/9 by Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2023
• Average 1st Innings Score: 167

Weather and Pitch Report

The weather in Lucknow on May 23, 2025, will be pleasant (25-30 degrees with 50-60% humidity) with no rain expected. There will be dew in the second innings, and low humidity will favor teams chasing running hits as the ball slides and bowlers struggle for grip. Although early movement seamers would start well, it will progress into a spinning pitch and will need careful shot selection. 

Match preview 

RCB will enter this match with Rajat Patidar at the helm in full form. With top run-scorer Virat Kohli (505 runs in 11 matches) taking pride at the top, despite the injured Devdutt Padikkal, their will about Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi's replacement to support disciplined bowling from their seamers Yash Dayal and spin Krunal Pandya has been regulated. Phil Salt’s return may add depth to their top order; however, it may push Jacob Bethell out. RCB’s middle overs (7-16) have been restrictive, giving up just 7.85 runs per over.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB vs SRH Match 65 - A Head to Head breakdown

SRH has struggled with artifacts in bowling and has by far the worst away bowling in IPL 2025. The core of their batting, Heinrich Klausen and Ishan Kishan opening in place of Travis Head, will drive the batting, but to lose 23 wickets in the powerplay is indicative of how fragile this top order is. Lack of playoff stakes makes them underdogs, but their aggressive powerplay approach could challenge RCB’s bowlers early. RCB's team and being familiar with the not-quite home-like slower pitch, I will assume that RCB goes into the match as the favorite.