The 61st match of IPL 2025 promises to be a high-stakes clash as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on May 19. While LSG are still mathematically in the playoff race, they find themselves in a precarious position—seventh on the points table with only 10 points from 11 games. A loss here would officially end their hopes of making the final four. SRH, on the other hand, have already been eliminated but will be eager to play the role of spoilers.
The Ekana Stadium in Lucknow is known for its slow, spin-friendly surfaces that often make run-scoring a challenge. The average first-innings score hovers around 168, and spinners could once again play a decisive role. Dew could be a factor in the second innings, especially in a night game.
In head-to-head battles, LSG dominate with a 4-1 record against SRH. Interestingly, SRH’s only win against Lucknow came at home in Hyderabad. It’s been a roller-coaster season for LSG. Despite having a power-packed batting lineup, they’ve dropped four of their last five matches.
ALSO READ: Match 61 (LSG vs SRH) – Probable XII and Fantasy XI Predictions
The absence of young pace sensation Mayank Yadav, who’s been ruled out due to injury, is a major blow. He’s been replaced by New Zealand’s William O’Rourke. SRH, led by Pat Cummins, have nothing to lose and everything to spoil. With a nearly full-strength squad available, they’ll be looking to end their campaign on a high and add to Lucknow’s misery.
Some intriguing individual matchups await in this do-or-die encounter.
#1 Pat Cummins vs Nicholas Pooran
Pat Cummins, fresh off a three-wicket haul against Delhi Capitals, has been delivering breakthroughs at key moments for SRH. Known for his clever variations and pace, Cummins will be eyeing the prized scalp of Pooran, who has been the batting linchpin for LSG this season. In T20s, Cummins has dismissed Pooran once in six encounters, with the LSG southpaw maintaining an impressive strike rate of 143.75 in this contest.
#2 Heinrich Klaasen vs Digvesh Singh Rathi
Watch out for Heinrich Klaasen versus Digvesh Singh Rathi. Klaasen has a fearsome record against spin, boasting a strike rate of 173.69. However, Rathi has emerged as LSG’s breakout bowler this season, claiming 12 wickets at 29.66. This duel could tilt the middle overs either way.
#3 Ishan Kishan vs Ravi Bishnoi
While Ishan Kishan smashed a century on debut for SRH, his form has dipped significantly. Ravi Bishnoi, however, has had the upper hand historically—dismissing Kishan four times in seven T20 innings. Kishan averages just 8.25 and strikes at 91.66 against the LSG leggie, scoring only 33 runs off 36 balls.
