The IPL 2025 season has been delivering thrilling encounters, and Match 7 between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was no different. Played at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on March 27, LSG registered a dominant five-wicket victory over the home side.
However, what caught the attention of many, including former England captain Michael Vaughan, was a puzzling tactical decision made by SRH in the final moments of the game. With Lucknow needing just two runs to win and 24 balls remaining, Hyderabad opted for a strategic timeout, leaving fans and experts baffled.
Typically, such breaks are taken to disrupt the opposition’s momentum or to reassess game plans in tight situations. However, in this instance, it seemed to serve no real purpose. Michael Vaughan, known for his sharp-witted observations, couldn’t resist commenting on the incident.
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“Only in the IPL can you have a strategic timeout with 2 needed off 24 balls with 5 wickets remaining. #India,” Michael Vaughan tweeted, accompanied by a tongue-in-cheek emoji, highlighting his amusement at SRH’s unconventional move.
Only in the IPL can you have a strategic time out with 2 needed off 24 balls with 5 wkts remaining .. 😜 #India
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 27, 2025
As for the game itself, LSG made a strong start after opting to field first. Sunrisers’ top order struggled, with both Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan failing to make an impact. Travis Head provided some resistance, scoring a quick 47 off 28 balls before young Prince Yadav dismissed him, denting SRH’s momentum. Despite a late push from captain Pat Cummins and Aniket Verma, SRH could only manage 190/9 in their 20 overs.
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Chasing 191, LSG lost Aiden Markram early, but Mitchell Marsh (52 off 31) and Nicholas Pooran (70 off 26) took control, putting together a match-winning 116-run partnership in just 8.4 overs. Abdul Samad’s late cameo (22 off 8) ensured LSG wrapped up the chase in just 16.1 overs, bouncing back strongly after their opening game defeat.
