Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a competitive total of 156/9 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, thanks to impressive half-centuries from Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen against the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. Reddy added flair to his innings by celebrating his fifty in style, mimicking Allu Arjun’s iconic ‘Pushpa’ gesture, much to the delight of the Hyderabad crowd.

After winning the toss, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant opted to bowl first, and the decision paid immediate dividends. Mohammed Shami struck early, dismissing Abhishek Sharma for a duck and removing Travis Head shortly after. The pressure mounted when Prince Yadav bowled Ishan Kishan for just one run, leaving SRH reeling inside the powerplay.

WATCH – Avesh Khan Sends Heinrich Klaasen Packing After Pant’s Stunning Catch in IPL 2026

Liam Livingstone struggled to find rhythm and managed only 14 runs before falling to Digvesh Rathi. At that stage, SRH were in deep trouble, but Klaasen and Reddy turned the tide with a crucial partnership. The duo counter-attacked brilliantly, stitching together a match-defining stand to take SRH past the 100-run mark. Reddy’s fluent 56 off 33 balls and Klaasen’s aggressive 62 off 41 deliveries revived the innings.

PUSHPA CELEBRATION BY NITISH KUMAR REDDY 🥶

– The Craze for Allu Arjun. pic.twitter.com/O8E3SdwId7

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 5, 2026

However, LSG fought back strongly in the death overs. Manimaran Siddharth dismissed Reddy, while Avesh Khan removed Klaasen to halt SRH’s momentum. The lower order failed to capitalise, with wickets falling in quick succession, including a run-out of Harshal Patel on the final ball.

WATCH – Rishabh Pant’s Stunning Catch Sends Liam Livingstone Packing in IPL 2026 Clash

In response, LSG began their chase steadily, with Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram adding early runs. Marsh fell for 14, but Pant joined Markram to stabilise the innings. Markram looked in control during his brisk 45 before being dismissed, setting up an intriguing chase in Hyderabad.