Match 65 of IPL 2025 promises to be a high-stakes affair as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Originally scheduled for Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the match was relocated due to persistent rain threats. For RCB, this is a golden chance to strengthen their grip on a top-two finish, while SRH—already out of playoff contention—will look to spoil the party and salvage pride.
The Ekana Stadium has challenged batters all season, with larger boundaries and slower pitches keeping run rates in check. The average first-innings total hovers around 168, but dew in the second innings could tip the balance toward the chasing side.
Historically, SRH have a slight edge over RCB with 13 wins from 24 encounters, while Bengaluru have clinched 11. However, these two haven’t crossed paths yet this season, and Lucknow will be a neutral battlefield for both, as they’ve never played each other at this venue.
ALSO READ: Match 65 (RCB vs SRH) – Probable XII and Fantasy XI Predictions
RCB’s playoff berth was confirmed following Gujarat Titans’ dominant 10-wicket win over Delhi Capitals. Now placed second with 17 points, Faf du Plessis’ men will be pushing hard to finish in the top two, which brings a crucial Qualifier 1 advantage. SRH, on the other hand, may be out of the playoff race, but they’ll want to finish strong, especially with their final match coming up against KKR.
Expect some compelling individual battles as both teams look to assert their dominance.
#1 Virat Kohli vs Pat Cummins
Virat Kohli has been in red-hot form this season, scoring 505 runs at an impressive average of 63.12 and a strike rate of 143.46. However, he will be tested by SRH skipper Pat Cummins, who has led from the front with the ball. While Cummins has managed to dismiss Kohli just once in 10 T20s, Kohli’s strike rate of 134.69 against him shows a closely contested battle.
#2 Rajat Patidar vs Harshal Patel
SRH might also unleash their leading wicket-taker Harshal Patel early to counter Rajat Patidar’s threat. Patidar and Harshal, former RCB teammates, know each other well. Harshal has removed Patidar twice in five T20 innings, but Rajat has also smashed 72 runs off 42 balls, making this a battle of skill and familiarity.
#3 Abhishek Sharma vs Yash Dayal
SRH opener Abhishek Sharma has been a revelation this season, racking up 373 runs at a strike rate nearing 192. His aggressive intent could be tested by RCB’s Yash Dayal, who has dismissed him twice in five outings. Still, Abhishek has maintained a brisk strike rate of 147.82 against the left-armer, ensuring this contest is anything but one-sided.
