Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): IPL 2025 Match Preview
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 65th game of the ongoing IPL 2025 season at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday, May 23. Originally scheduled to be held in Bengaluru, the match was relocated to Lucknow due to adverse weather conditions in South India.
Playoff Race
RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, secured their playoff spot following Gujarat Titans’ victory over Delhi Capitals. With 17 points, RCB currently occupies the second position in the standings. The 2016 finalists aim to win their remaining two games to secure a top-two finish and enhance their chances of reaching the finals.
On the other hand, SRH has been eliminated from the season. Despite being out of the playoff race, the previous edition runners-up will look to play spoiler for RCB in their final two games. SRH comes into this match on the back of a victory over Lucknow Super Giants.
Match Venue and Pitch Report
The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow has proven to be a challenging pitch this season. The ground’s large dimensions make scoring boundaries difficult, with an average first-innings score of 167. Teams will need to target 180-190 runs to have an edge, considering the dew factor in the second innings.
Predicted Playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, Yash Dayal
Impact Player: Suyash Sharma
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):
Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (w), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Harsh Dubey, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga
Impact Player: Atharva Taide
Key Players to Watch
Virat Kohli:
RCB’s Virat Kohli has been in exceptional form, scoring 505 runs in his last 11 games. The former captain will be instrumental in RCB’s pursuit of a top-two finish, coming off four consecutive fifty-plus scores.
Pat Cummins:
SRH’s Pat Cummins has taken 13 wickets in his last 12 matches. The Australian pacer will aim to make an impact with his bowling in the remaining games, despite going wicketless in the previous match against LSG.
Match Prediction
Today’s Prediction: Team bowling first to win the match
As RCB and SRH gear up to face off in this crucial encounter, fans can expect an intense battle between the two sides. With RCB eyeing a top-two finish and SRH looking to play spoiler, the match is poised to be an exciting affair at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Stay tuned for all the action on the field!
Team Form
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been in exceptional form lately, winning four out of their last five matches. Their batting lineup, spearheaded by the likes of Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, has been firing on all cylinders, posting competitive totals and chasing down targets effectively. Their bowling attack, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Romario Shepherd, has also been instrumental in restricting opposition teams.
On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have had a mixed season, struggling to find consistency in their performances. While they have managed to pull off some impressive victories, they have also faltered in crucial moments, leading to their elimination from the playoff race. SRH will be looking to salvage some pride in their remaining matches and finish the season on a high note.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, RCB and SRH have had closely contested matches in the IPL. Both teams have a talented pool of players who have delivered memorable performances in their encounters. However, RCB holds a slight edge over SRH in their head-to-head record, having won more matches in their previous meetings.
Key battles to watch out for in this match include the face-off between Virat Kohli and Pat Cummins, two stalwarts of the game who have the potential to turn the match in their team’s favor with their skills and experience.
Fan Expectations
As the IPL 2025 season reaches its climax, fans of both RCB and SRH are eagerly anticipating this match. RCB supporters will be hoping for their team to continue their winning momentum and secure a top-two finish, setting them up for a strong playoff campaign. On the other hand, SRH fans will be looking for their team to play with a sense of freedom and express themselves on the field, causing an upset against a formidable opponent.
With the stakes high for RCB and SRH playing for pride, the match is expected to be a thrilling contest with both teams giving their all to come out on top.
Conclusion
As the excitement builds up for the RCB vs. SRH clash at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, all eyes will be on the players to deliver a memorable performance. With key players like Virat Kohli and Pat Cummins in action, fans can expect a high-quality display of cricketing skills and competitive spirit on the field.
Ultimately, while the match prediction points towards the team bowling first having the advantage, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and anything can happen on the day. Whether RCB continues their winning streak or SRH springs a surprise, one thing is for sure – it will be a match worth watching for all cricket enthusiasts.
