IPL 2025: CAN SRH UPSET TOP-SEEDED RCB IN BENGALURU? (A LOOK BACK AT MATCH 65)

IPL 2025: Can SRH Upset Top-Seeded RCB in Bengaluru? (A Look Back at Match 65)

IPL 2025: Can SRH Upset Top-Seeded RCB in Bengaluru? (A Look Back at Match 65)

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The IPL 2025 league stage was a whirlwind of emotions, with teams battling fiercely for playoff berths. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the final few games were critical, as they aimed to secure a top-two finish and gain a significant advantage in the knockout rounds. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), on the other hand, found themselves out of playoff contention, but their "last stand" against RCB in Match 65 proved to be a pivotal moment, influencing not only the playoff race but also offering crucial insights for IPL fantasy team prediction.

This match was initially highly anticipated to be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, RCB's fortress, a venue renowned for its batting-friendly conditions. The thought of SRH trying to "upset" a top-seeded RCB in their home ground added an extra layer of intrigue. However, as fate would have it, the match was relocated, altering the dynamics of the contest entirely.

The Original Setting: Chinnaswamy's Batting Extravaganza


If the match had proceeded as planned at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the narrative would have centered around a high-scoring encounter. Chinnaswamy's characteristics are well-known:

  • Short Boundaries and Flat Pitch: These factors combine to make it a paradise for batsmen, where even mishits can clear the ropes.

  • High Scores are the Norm: First innings totals often soar above 180, and even 200+ scores are frequently chased down, leading to thrilling contests.

  • Dew Factor: Like many Indian venues, the evening dew would have further aided the chasing team, making the ball slide onto the bat more easily.


Under these conditions, a clash between RCB's power-hitters (Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar) and SRH's explosive openers (Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma) would have been a dream for fans and a challenge for bowlers. The question of whether SRH could upset RCB at their home ground would have largely hinged on their ability to put up an unchaseable total or execute a flawless chase on a typically challenging bowling surface.

The Actual Stage: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow


Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Match 65 between RCB and SRH was moved to the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. This venue, while having witnessed some high-scoring games in IPL 2025, possesses a more balanced nature compared to Chinnaswamy.

  • Balanced Pitch: Ekana offers a pitch that provides assistance to both pace and spin. While there's good bounce and pace, the surface also allows spinners to extract some turn and grip.

  • Dew's Continued Influence: The dew factor remained significant in Lucknow, making the ball slippery in the second innings and generally favoring the team batting second. This trend was evident throughout IPL 2025 matches at Ekana, where the majority of games were won by the chasing side.


The shift meant that a direct "upset" in RCB's perceived fortress was off the cards. Instead, it became a test of adaptation for both teams on a different, more nuanced pitch.

The Actual Outcome: SRH's Dominant "Upset" in Lucknow


In the actual Match 65, which took place on May 23, 2025, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Sunrisers Hyderabad delivered a resounding performance, defeating Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 42 runs.

SRH, despite being out of playoff contention, played with remarkable freedom and aggression. Their batting unit, led by a sensational innings from Ishan Kishan (94 runs off 48 balls), along with quickfire contributions from Travis Head (17 off 10) and Abhishek Sharma (34 off 17), propelled them to a commanding total of 231/6. RCB's bowlers struggled to contain SRH's onslaught, particularly in the powerplay and the middle overs.

In response, RCB, despite a good start from Virat Kohli (43 off 25) and Phil Salt (62 off 32), couldn't maintain the required scoring rate under pressure. They lost wickets at crucial junctures and ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 189 in 19.5 overs. SRH's bowlers, including Pat Cummins (3 wickets) and Eshan Malinga (2 wickets), managed to pick up wickets at regular intervals, preventing RCB from building significant partnerships.

This result was indeed an "upset" in the context of RCB's top-two aspirations. It significantly complicated their path to Qualifier 1, forcing them to rely on their final league stage match against LSG to secure that coveted spot. For SRH, it was a strong finish to their season, showcasing their destructive batting potential even when the pressure of qualification was off.

Key Learnings for Your IPL Fantasy Team Prediction:


The SRH vs RCB clash, though shifted in venue, provided valuable insights for IPL fantasy team prediction:

  1. Venue Adaptation is Key: The most crucial lesson was the impact of a venue change. A team built for Chinnaswamy might not perform as well on Ekana. Always check the confirmed venue and its characteristics before finalizing your team.

  2. Form Over History (Sometimes): While historical matchups and player records at a particular venue are important, current form, especially for aggressive batsmen, often takes precedence. SRH's batsmen demonstrated this perfectly.

  3. Explosive Openers and Middle Order: Teams with aggressive openers and powerful middle-order hitters (like SRH with Head, Sharma, Kishan, Klaasen) are often reliable fantasy picks, as they maximize scoring opportunities regardless of the pitch type (within reason).

  4. Death Bowlers' Value: In high-scoring games, death bowlers who can pick up wickets or bowl economical overs in crucial phases are invaluable. Pat Cummins' performance exemplified this.

  5. Toss and Chase Advantage: The dew factor at Ekana confirmed that the team chasing generally has an advantage. When making your IPL fantasy team prediction, consider loading up on batsmen from the team that wins the toss and opts to bowl first.

  6. Team Motivation: While SRH was out of the playoffs, their "nothing to lose" attitude often translates into fearless performances. Don't underestimate teams playing for pride.


The SRH vs RCB Match 65 was a compelling example of how dynamic T20 cricket can be. SRH's dominant performance at Ekana not only provided a thrilling end to their season but also served as a stark reminder of the importance of adaptability and informed decision-making for every IPL fantasy team prediction.

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