SRH chase 206 with ease to knock LSG out of IPL 2025 playoff contention

SunRisers Hyderabad delivered a decisive blow to Lucknow Super Giants’ playoff hopes, clinching a commanding six-wicket victory in their own backyard at the Ekana Stadium during their IPL 2025 clash on Monday. Chasing 206, SRH made light work of the target, finishing at 195/4 in just 17.3 overs, with Aniket Verma and Kamindu Mendis calmly seeing them through after a whirlwind start.

The chase was anchored by a scintillating knock from Abhishek Sharma, who hammered a rapid 59 off just 20 deliveries, setting the tone with a barrage of boundaries in the powerplay. His fearless strokeplay left the LSG bowlers rattled early on. However, his dismissal also sparked an on-field altercation with LSG’s Digvesh Rathi, leading to a tense exchange between the two players.

Earlier, the Super Giants had posted a competitive total of 205/7, built on the back of explosive half-centuries from openers Mitchell Marsh (65 off 39) and Aiden Markram (61 off 38). The duo were in sublime touch from the outset, propelling LSG to 69 without loss inside the powerplay. Marsh announced his intent by launching Pat Cummins for a majestic six over midwicket, while Markram counterattacked debutant spinner Harsh Dubey with a powerful maximum straight down the ground.

Despite the blazing start, SRH managed to regain control as the innings progressed. Harsh Dubey, who was under pressure after being targeted early, made a strong comeback to dismiss Marsh in the 11th over, claiming his first-ever IPL wicket. The breakthrough triggered a brief middle-order collapse.

LSG skipper Rishabh Pant, who has struggled throughout the tournament, promoted himself to No. 3 but once again failed to deliver. He scratched his way to seven runs before falling victim to a clever slower yorker from young pacer Eshan Malinga, who completed a sharp return catch. Pant’s lack of form has become a growing concern, especially considering his hefty Rs 27 crore price tag from the last mega auction.

The innings lost momentum during the middle overs, with SRH bowlers tightening their grip and conceding just 38 runs between the 11th and 15th overs while picking up key wickets. Nicholas Pooran injected some late energy with a brisk 45 off 26 balls, though he struggled to find his usual six-hitting rhythm.

Nitish Reddy, entrusted with the final over in his first bowling appearance of the season, conceded 20 runs to push LSG past the 200-run mark. However, the late flourish proved insufficient, as Hyderabad’s aggressive reply, led by Abhishek’s fireworks, ensured a comfortable and emphatic victory.

This article first appeared on Mid Day