Despite the onslaught, RCB bowlers showed moments of brilliance. Ngidi, Bhuvneshwar, Suyash, and Krunal picked up a wicket each, and the death overs saw better execution, restricting SRH from crossing the 240-mark
RCB have already sealed a spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs, but the battle for a top-two finish remains wide open (Pic: AFP)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru were handed a formidable target of 232 by Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL 2025 encounter on Friday in Lucknow, after an explosive half-century from Ishan Kishan powered SRH to 231 for six in their 20 overs.
The opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head came out swinging from the first ball, stitching together a rapid 54-run stand in just four overs. RCB’s pace attack, led by Lungi Ngidi, struck early to remove Abhishek for a brisk 34 off 17 balls, an innings laced with three fours and three sixes. Bhuvneshwar Kumar. In particular, Bhuvneshwar's second over yielded 18 runs, including a boundary from Head, followed by a six and a four from Abhishek.
While the wickets kept falling at one end, Kishan held the innings together. The left-handed batter displayed composure and controlled aggression, bringing up his first fifty in 10 innings off just 28 balls. He remained unbeaten on 94 off 48 balls, striking seven fours and five sixes, guiding SRH past the 200-run mark and setting RCB a mammoth target of 232.
Despite the onslaught, RCB bowlers showed moments of brilliance. Ngidi, Bhuvneshwar, Suyash, and Krunal picked up a wicket each, and the death overs saw better execution, restricting SRH from crossing the 240-mark.
Having said that, RCB have been no strangers to high-octane chases, but their record for the highest successful run-chase in IPL history stands at 204, achieved against Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) during the 2010 season. Interestingly, RCB have managed to surpass the 200-run mark in a chase only twice in their IPL journey. Their 2010 season heroics were followed by a stunning 201 run-chase against Gujarat Titans just last year. They have also pulled off other impressive run-chases, most notably their 192-run pursuit against Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016, which came in the midst of their historic run to the final.
RCB have already sealed a spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs, but the battle for a top-two finish remains wide open, making every match crucial, including this face-off against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Given the points table scenario, a win here could prove pivotal in securing a coveted Qualifier 1 berth and offering RCB two shots at making the final.
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