In Match 65 of IPL 2025, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 42 runs at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. SRH set a target of 231 runs after a strong batting display, scoring 231/6 in 20 overs on a flat batting pitch thanks to a blistering 94* off 48 from Ishan Kishan, while there were plenty of contributions from Abhishek Sharma and Aniket Verma at the death towards the end, when SRH added over 60 runs in the last 5 (only 7 overs) off the bat, turning a good innings into a big target. 

RCB got off to a positive start, with Phil Salt making a quick-fire 62 off 32 with Virat Kohli scoring a run-a-ball 43 at a good pace, but RCB fell apart after losing their top order. The Sunrisers bowlers executed a disciplined and venomous bowling plan, with star Pat Cummins (3/28) and Eshan Malinga (2/37) taking early important wickets on a good pitch. The turning point for the game came in the middle-order spells when SRH choked RCB's run-scoring and forced them into mistakes. 

RCB was bowled out for 189 in 19.5 overs as scoreboard pressure and an inept middle order performing under pressure led to their demise. RCB has a long road ahead, while SRH recently has been red-hot, and they will be dangerous as we enter the final wildcard playoff race. Here are the reasons why RCB loss to SRH.

1. Powerplay Carnage by Sunrisers Openers

Sunrisers weren’t slow out of the blocks but pandemonium in the power play was instigated by Ishan Kishan and the rest of the top-order players. They treated RCB’s bowlers like they were all bowling the first three overs of IPL, hitting everything out of the park. They gave their innings some structure and consistency that allowed them loads of momentum to create 231 in total. The RCB bowlers weren’t capable of containing runs through the first six overs of the Sunrisers innings, which was a huge cost.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 65: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Full Match Highlights

2. Underwhelming Bowling Execution

RCB’s bowlers altogether misjudged the pitch, assuming it was a 170-type pitch, and even though there were some individual pieces of good bowling, on the whole, there was a strange inability to execute consistently, especially in the death. A few bowlers, like Bhuvneshwar and Krunal, more importantly, went for over 40 runs, comfortably putting the Sunrisers above the 230 mark.

3. Middle-Order Collapse in the Chase

Despite Phil Salt and Virat Kohli getting a decent start for RCB, the middle order let them down with silly dismissals. After the power play, there were 4 more wickets taken soon with no batter being able to set their foot down hold together the innings or form a consistent partnership. The drastic middle-order collapse and ultimately a score of 42 runs short, despite a reasonable platform.