In a nail-biting IPL 2025 encounter in Lucknow, Abhishek Sharma struck a breathtaking batting masterclass to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to a comprehensive six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Monday. Despite SRH being out of playoff contention this season, the win provided a much-needed boost in morale as they prepare for IPL 2026.
Abhishek Sharma Sets the Stage on Fire
Pursuing a difficult target of 206, SRH made a dream beginning, courtesy a scorching 59-run half-century off only 20 deliveries by opener Abhishek Sharma. His innings, peppered with four boundaries and six huge sixes, established the tone for the run chase. Despite losing partner Atharva Taide early—on debutant Will O’Rourke’s bowling—Abhishek remained nonchalant and reached his fifty in just 18 balls, including a highlight-reel stretch of three straight sixes off Ravi Bishnoi.
Leg-spinner Digvesh Rathi finally put an end to the slaughter by removing Abhishek in the eighth over, but the harm was done. His fireworks had taken Hyderabad to a position from which sensible batting could have wrapped up the game.
Klaasen, Mendis Provide Stability
After Abhishek’s dismissal, Heinrich Klaasen (47 off 29) and Kamindu Mendis (32* retired hurt) constructed a crucial 55-run fourth-wicket stand. Klaasen missed a well-merited half-century by just a whisker, while Mendis had to retire hurt with a foot injury after playing steadily and anchoring the innings.
Nitish Reddy and Aniket Verma then sealed the deal with clinical ease, sending SRH home with 10 balls remaining.
SRH End on a High, LSG’s Playoff Hopes Crushed
The defeat officially knocked Lucknow Super Giants out of playoff contention, making them the fifth team to exit the race. A visibly disappointed LSG skipper Rishabh Pant acknowledged the team’s struggle:
“Definitely, it could have been one of our best seasons. But coming into the tournament, we had a lot of gaps and injuries. As a team, we decided not to talk about that, but it became difficult to fill those gaps.”
For Hyderabad, skipper Pat Cummins lauded the performance and expressed hope for the future.
“It gives us a lot of confidence for next year.”
IPL 2025 Playoff Race: Who’s Still in the Mix?
Now that LSG and KKR are out after a washout between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders, only six teams are left in the running for the four playoffs. And here’s where the top teams stand:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Played: 12
- Points: 17
- NRR: +0.482
- Remaining Matches: vs SRH (home), vs LSG (away)
RCB need just one more point to officially qualify. However, with five teams capable of finishing on 17 or more, net run-rate could play a crucial role if multiple teams tie.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Played: 12
- Points: 17
- NRR: +0.389
- Remaining Matches: vs DC, vs MI (both in Jaipur)
PBKS also need one more win to secure a spot. But like RCB, they aren’t guaranteed qualification yet due to the tight race. Their fate may hinge on results from other key fixtures—especially matches involving MI and DC.
Upcoming Matches to Watch
- Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals – A virtual knockout as both teams eye that final playoff berth.
- Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals – This clash could potentially decide who joins RCB, Gujarat Titans, and PBKS in the playoffs.
Teams Already Qualified
- ✅ Gujarat Titans (GT)
- ✅ Royal Challengers Bengaluru (almost sealed)
- ✅ Punjab Kings (almost sealed)
Eliminated Teams
- ❌ Lucknow Super Giants
- ❌ Kolkata Knight Riders
- ❌ Sunrisers Hyderabad
- ❌ Rajasthan Royals
As the league phase of IPL 2025 draws to a close, the final playoff spot is set to go down to the wire. With every match potentially altering the playoff landscape, fans can expect high-octane action over the coming days. Stay tuned with Taaza Wire for the latest IPL updates, match analysis, and playoff permutations.
