RCB vs SRH, IPL 2025 Highlights: SRH dent RCB's top two chances with comprehensive win

The playoff spots may be locked in, but there's still some drama left as teams battle to determine the final sequencing. A few more crucial league matches stand between us and the definitive rankings. Next up, Punjab Kings will take on Delhi Capitals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. PBKS, currently sitting second, will be eager to grab a win and further cement their place in the top two. Meanwhile, DC, already out of the playoff race, will be playing for pride. The first ball is set to be bowled at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT), but don’t miss the thrilling build-up and analysis an hour before. Until then, stay safe and take care! 

Tensions are high in the RCB camp after a tough outing in Lucknow. This game serves as a wake-up call, pushing them to address key concerns before the playoffs. Without Josh Hazlewood, their bowling attack has lacked sharpness, despite the presence of seasoned players. Now, all eyes turn to their next clash against Lucknow Super Giants, a must-win encounter on May 27th, Tuesday, if they hope to reclaim the second spot. For SRH, there’s plenty to celebrate, though they can’t help but wonder why such a dominant performance came so late in the tournament. They’ll take the positives forward as they gear up for their final league match against KKR on Sunday, 25th May, determined to sign off on a high note.

Ishan Kishan of SRH is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his scintillating 94 off just 48 balls. He begins by saying that it's important to watch the ball and play your game. Highlights that the moment he saw Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head starting the game aggressively, he knew it was a good track to bat. Mentions that he just tried to play good shots and his plan was very simple. Overall, admits that his performance this season wasn't that good and feels he could have done much better. Concludes by saying that it's a game of learning and you just have to keep working hard.

Pat Cummins, says that it was a great performance, but too bad it came a bit too late. Adds that they have plenty of bowling options, and Abhishek is always in his ear to use him as well. Mentions that Ishan Kishan was excellent, and he was the difference between a total of 200 and 230. Says that they thought it was a 170 wicket, but every batter who went out said that it is a great surface and to just keep going. Praises Malinga and says that he has taken wickets everywhere he has played and has different skills - the fast yorker and the dipping slower are very hard to pick for the batters. ">The victorious captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Pat Cummins, says that it was a great performance, but too bad it came a bit too late. Adds that they have plenty of bowling options, and Abhishek is always in his ear to use him as well. Mentions that Ishan Kishan was excellent and he was the difference between a total of 200 and 230. Says that they thought it was a 170 wicket, but every batters who went out said that it is a great surface and to just keep going. Praises Malinga and says that he has taken wickets everywhere he has played and has different skills - the fast yorker and dipping slower and very hard to pick for the batters.

It is time for the Presentation Ceremony...

Jaydev Unadkat of SRH is up for a chat now. He says it was one of the best wickets to bat on so far. Says they were expecting it in Hyderabad, but unfortunately didn't get such a surface. Adds that the messaging from the captain Cummins, was about being calm on the field and trying and make things happen. Admits that it didn't happen initially, but they made a good comeback in the latter stages. On Eshan Malinga's bowling, he says that he did everything on the field and was effective as well, and turned the game around for them. Repeats that it was a good track to bat on and they had to stick to bowling yorkers. States that it was more about execution rather than anything else. 

The captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Jitesh Sharma, says that they conceded 15-20 runs extra. Adds that SRH batted really well in the Powerplay, and they had no answers to the attack, but the bowlers still did well. Mentions that they were a bit rusty as they are playing after a long time, but after 6-7 overs, they were on the mark. Says that sometimes it is good to lose the game, as they can analyse a few things about what went wrong. However, they are still very confident as he and Rajat batted well, Kohli is in form, and the bowlers are also going good. Ends by saying that he has not met with Tim David and does not know how serious his injury is.

Earlier in the game, the Sunrisers were invited to bat first and didn't waste any time as Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head launched a ferocious attack first up with a half-century partnership. Eventually, though, both perished within the span of three balls, which pegged them back a bit. However, runs kept coming as the incoming batters didn't let the run rate nosedive. On the back of Klaasen's quick cameo, Aniket Verma's brave and gritty aggression, and with Ishan Kishan remaining unbeaten on 94 off just 48 balls, the Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a mammoth 231 on the board. For RCB, Romario Shepherd was the most successful bowler, though he bowled just two overs, he snagged a two-for. 

So, where exactly did the game flip? Just when RCB seemed to be cruising, a couple of quiet overs turned the game on its head. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s disciplined four-run over sucked the momentum out of the chase, and what followed was an absolute collapse. In the space of just five deliveries, Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, and Romario Shepherd all fell, sending RCB’s innings into a dramatic nosedive, and from there, they just could not recover at all. In the blink of an eye, SRH had clawed their way back, with Pat Cummins and Eshan Malinga being the main destructors, with the former claiming 3 and the latter snagging two to his name.

Harsh Dubey wasted no time making an impact for SRH, striking in his very first over to remove the dangerous Kohli. But Phil Salt was in no mood to slow down. He kept up his aggressive approach, racing to his fifty and ensuring RCB stayed on track as the chase entered the middle phase. But by the halfway mark, RCB had already eaten up a huge chunk of the target. Sunrisers Hyderabad’s bowlers struggled to find control, hemorrhaging runs as if the tap had been left wide open. After an already tough Powerplay, they endured another expensive stretch, conceding 95 runs between overs 7 and 15.

RCB had a towering challenge ahead, just like scaling Mount Everest. But Virat Kohli and Phil Salt stepped up, ready to take it head-on. Kohli wasted no time, launching into aggressive strokes, while Salt had a shaky start but held his nerve, narrowly surviving a scare. Once he settled in, the duo started piling on the runs quickly. Hence, RCB had stormed to 72/0 after six overs, putting themselves in a strong position.

RCB will want to wipe this game from their memory as soon as possible, given everything that led up to it. Originally set to play in Bengaluru, they had to adjust to a rescheduled venue due to relentless rains back home. A few injury setbacks didn’t help either, but none of that takes away from SRH’s brilliance. Sunrisers were relentless with the bat, setting the tone early. Though their bowling wavered for a good portion of the innings, they found their spark when it mattered most, staging a dramatic comeback that turned the game on its head. In the end, it was SRH’s grit and resilience that sealed the deal.

An extremely forgettable outing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the Sunrisers Hyderabad hand them a massive 42-run defeat at Lucknow! To add to their worries, their net run rate has taken an absolute dive as this heavy defeat slips them down to the third spot. Which means the Punjab Kings now climb to the second spot. 

19.5: Harshal Patel to Yash Dayal, OUT! TAKEN! Harshal Patel wraps things up for SRH! He bowls a slower bouncer, on middle. Yash Dayal tries to pull it away, but is in no position to play that shot. It goes off the top edge towards deep square leg where Aniket Verma comes forward and takes the catch. Sunrisers Hyderabad win by 42 runs!

19.4: Harshal Patel to Yash Dayal, Change of pace, back of a length and on middle, Yash Dayal misses his pull and gets hit on the body.

19.3: Harshal Patel to Yash Dayal, Uppish but safe! Fuller and on middle, Yash Dayal chips it on the air over the bowler's head. Harsh Dubey from mid off runs backward but just fails to reach it. Two runs taken.

19.2: Harshal Patel to Yash Dayal, Slower, short of a length and on middle, Yash Dayal helps it towards short fine.

19.1: Harshal Patel to Yash Dayal, Fuller and on off, Yash Dayal drives it down the pitch where Harshal Patel stops his with his left hand on the follow-through.

Harshal Patel (3-0-37-0) to wrap the proceedings with the final over.

18.6: Pat Cummins to Lungi Ngidi, Ends with another fine yorker, on middle, Lungi Ngidi just blocks it out.

18.5: Pat Cummins to Lungi Ngidi, Pitched up and outside off, Lungi Ngidi squeezes it out to point.

Lungi Ngidi is the last batter in for RCB.

18.4: Pat Cummins to Krunal Pandya, OUT! HIT WICKET! Krunal Pandya will want to forget that dismissal, but Pat Cummins won't mind as he gets his third. He serves a searing wide yorker, outside off. Pandya stays very deep inside the crease and tries to reach it. However, as he swings his bat down, he disturbs the stumps with it and has to walk back. RCB have lost 6 wickets in the last 19 balls, a glaring stat and they cannot afford to do this in the playoffs.

18.3: Pat Cummins to Krunal Pandya, Another yorker, on off, Krunal Pandya looks to drive it but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

18.2: Pat Cummins to Yash Dayal, A yorker, on middle, Yash Dayal jams it out to towards short fine for a single.

Yash Dayal is in at 10 now.

18.1: Pat Cummins to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Pat Cummins with a beauty! He lands this on a good length and on middle, straightens a bit after hitting the deck. Bhuvneshwar Kumar backs away to drive it, but he exposes all his stumps in this process and plays down the wrong line as the ball zips past the outside edge to shatter the stumps. Bhuvi departs for 3 and RCB are 186/8.

SRH skipper, Pat Cummins (3-0-27-1) to bowl the penultimate over. Also, SRH have been penalised for not completing their overs on time. But it barely matters to them now. That being said, an extra fielder will have to be kept inside the 30-yards.

17.6: Eshan Malinga to Krunal Pandya, EDGED AND FOUR! Pitched up and around off, Krunal Pandya looks to go over covers but gets an outside edge that flies to the third man fence for a boundary. 46 needed in the last 2 overs now!

17.5: Eshan Malinga to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Overthrows! Fuller and on middle, Bhuvneshwar Kumar flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single. Jaydev Unadkat throws it at the keeper's end, where it deflects off the stumps, allowing the batters to get a couple of more runs. Three in total.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is in at 9 now.

17.4: Eshan Malinga to Tim David, OUT! TAKEN! Eshan Malinga gets his second now! A low full toss, on middle. Tim David cannot move his feet at all and looks to loft it down the ground. He fails to get any power on that one as the ball goes straight towards long on. Heinrich Klaasen takes a fine catch. Tim David departs for 1 (5) and RCB slip further down the drain! And this is now SRH's game to lose.

17.3: Eshan Malinga to Tim David, Pitched up and on middle, Tim David drills it to deep square leg.

17.2: Eshan Malinga to Tim David, In the blockhole, outside off, Tim David digs it out to the leg side.

17.1: Eshan Malinga to Tim David, Fuller one and on middle, Tim David drills it away wide of deep mid-wicket. Abhishek Sharma dives to his right to make a good stop. David does not take any run as he is suffering from a hamstring injury.

16.6: Jaydev Unadkat to Krunal Pandya, FOUR! Much-needed for RCB! Slower again, full and outside off. Krunal Pandya extends his arms and smashes it over extra covers for a boundary. 53 needed in 18 now!

16.5: Jaydev Unadkat to Krunal Pandya, Short of a length and on off, Krunal Pandya punches it straight to covers.

16.4: Jaydev Unadkat to Krunal Pandya, Change of pace again, back of a length and outside off, Krunal Pandya looks to cut it away but misses.

16.3: Jaydev Unadkat to Tim David, Slower bouncer, on middle, Tim David pulls it through square leg for a single. David is seen hobbling a bit as he completes the single. 

Tim David is in at number 8 now.

16.2: Jaydev Unadkat to Jitesh Sharma, OUT! TAKEN! Jaydev Unadkat strikes now! 3 wickets in the last 5 balls, and RCB slips further in this chase. A slower one this time, full and on middle. Jitesh Sharma steps across and looks to slog it over mid-wicket but fails to get the elevation on this one. The ball flies high in the air towards deep mid-wicket, where Abhinav Manohar settles under it and pouches it safely. Skipper departs for 24 off 15, and RCB are 174/6 now.

16.1: Jaydev Unadkat to Jitesh Sharma, Fuller one and on off, Jitesh Sharma drives it straight to covers.

Krunal Pandya is in at number 7 for RCB!

15.6: Eshan Malinga to Romario Shepherd, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Romario Shepherd goes back for a golden duck! Eshan Malinga has turned things around in this over. He bowls a deceptive slower one, full and on off. Shepherd looks to push it away but goes through it very early. He ends up lobbing it to the left of the bowler, where Malinga takes a great catch on the follow-through. RCB lose half their side now! No fireworks and not the night to be for Shepherd as he departs for a golden duck. RCB are now 174/5.

15.5: Eshan Malinga to Jitesh Sharma, A low full toss, on middle, Jitesh Sharma looks to go for the slog but gets an inside edge towards short fine for one.

Romario Shepherd is in at 6 now.

15.4: Eshan Malinga to Rajat Patidar, OUT! RUN OUT! Excellent work from Eshan Malinga! He serves it right in the blockhole, outside off. Rajat Patidar backs away and just about jams it out to the off side. Jitesh Sharma sets off for the run, but Patidar hesitates a bit. There is a collision between the batters as Malinga picks up the ball and hits a bullseye at the bowler's end. Patidar is well short of the crease. He departs for 18 (16) and RCB are four down, still needing 58 runs in 27 balls.

15.3: Eshan Malinga to Jitesh Sharma, Pitched up and on middle, Jitesh Sharma flicks it away to deep mid-wicket for a run.

15.2: Eshan Malinga to Rajat Patidar, Nails the yorker this time, on middle, Rajat Patidar drills it to long off for a single.

15.1: Eshan Malinga to Rajat Patidar, FOUR LEG BYES! Eshan Malinga bowls a yorker but angling down the leg side. Rajat Patidar looks to dig it out but misses as the ball goes off his boot and races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Strategic Break! The previous over was the first one of this innings without a boundary, and it has come at a good time for Sunrisers Hyderabad. They will feel the pressure is back on the batters now, but they still need to be smart in the last five overs and execute their plans well. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will still feel that 65 runs off the last 5 overs with 7 wickets in hand is still gettable, but they cannot afford another over like that till the end. It is going to be a thrilling finish to this game. Don't go anywhere!

14.6: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rajat Patidar, He will! The first boundary-less over of the inning! NKR concedes just 4 off it. A low in-dipping full toss, on middle, this is whipped on the bounce to deep mid-wicket for a single only. Royal Challengers Bengaluru need 65 runs in 30 balls now.

14.5: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rajat Patidar, Executes the bumper on the money, outside off, Rajat Patidar looks to ramp it over but misses. Looks towards the leg umpire for a wide, but is not entertained.  This has been a fantastic over so far from Nitish Kumar Reddy. He hasn't conceded any boundary so far. Can he wrap it up cleanly?

14.4: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Jitesh Sharma, Fired fuller and around off, smashed down straight to mid off for a quick single.

14.3: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Jitesh Sharma, Hard length, kissing the surface and coming quickly, Jitesh Sharma gets across to scoop, but the ball lifts off and goes over the batter.

14.2: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rajat Patidar, A low full toss on the pads, Rajat Patidar pushes it down to the long on region for a single.

14.1: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Jitesh Sharma, Follows the batter with a yorker, on the leg stump. Jitesh Sharma moves outside leg and can only clip it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

13.6: Jaydev Unadkat to Jitesh Sharma, A toe-crushing yorker, on the stumps, Jitesh Sharma looks to clip across to the leg side but gets a leading edge and the ball rolls to the off side for a single.

13.5: Jaydev Unadkat to Rajat Patidar, A fuller ball, on the stumps, flicked towards the leg side for a quick single.

13.4: Jaydev Unadkat to Rajat Patidar, Pitched fuller and around off, Rajat Patidar drives it on the rise to widish long off for two more. 71 needed off the last 38 balls remaining.

13.3: Jaydev Unadkat to Jitesh Sharma, An attempted yorker, on middle, Jitesh Sharma guides it to the short third region for a quick single.

13.2: Jaydev Unadkat to Jitesh Sharma, SIX! WHAT A SHOT! A half volley outside off, Jitesh Sharma picks the length in a trice and spanks it behind deep cover for a massive six.

13.1: Jaydev Unadkat to Jitesh Sharma, FOUR! Just short and races away! Fuller in length, at the stumps, Jitesh Sharma flicks it uppishly over mid-wicket. Abhishek Sharma dives to his right in the deep, but the ball lands wide of him and bounces into the fence for a boundary.

Jaydev Unadkat is back on. He has conceded 21 runs in his two overs.

12.6: Harshal Patel to Jitesh Sharma, Hard length, on off, Jitesh Sharma plays it on the up and guides it to the point region for a single.

12.5: Harshal Patel to Rajat Patidar, Shortish in length and on off, Rajat Patidar clips this to deep mid-wicket and takes a single.

12.4: Harshal Patel to Rajat Patidar, IN THE AIR...Lands between the three converging fielders in the deep! Bowled fuller and outside off, Rajat Patidar is a bit too early into the shot and also, the bottom hand comes off the handle. The ball gets ballooned up in the air and over the cover region. It lands safely between the fielders at deep cover for a couple of runs.

12.3: Harshal Patel to Rajat Patidar, Over the top of middle, on a length, Rajat Patidar gets across the line and tucks it past mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

12.2: Harshal Patel to Rajat Patidar, Nagging length, outside off, cutting back into the batter, Rajat Patidar tries to punch into the off side but gets beaten past the outside edge.

12.1: Harshal Patel to Rajat Patidar, FOUR! Pierced through the gap! Hard length around off, climbing onto the batter, Rajat Patidar stands tall and opens the bat face, guiding it between backward point and short third for a boundary.

11.6: Pat Cummins to Jitesh Sharma, Cannoned in fuller at 141.1 kph, at the leg stump, flicked straight to mid-wicket.

11.6: Pat Cummins to Jitesh Sharma, WIDE! A slower over-the-head bumper, on off, Jitesh Sharma lets it pass alone. Wide called.

11.5: Pat Cummins to Rajat Patidar, On the back of a length, over the top of the leg stump, nudged to the deep square leg region for a single.

11.4: Pat Cummins to Jitesh Sharma, Fuller and on the leg stump, clipped away wide of long on for a single.

11.3: Pat Cummins to Jitesh Sharma, SIX! Back of a length, skidding off the deck outside off, Jitesh Sharma leans back and ramps it over deep third for a six.

Jitesh Sharma is the next man in.

11.2: Pat Cummins to Phil Salt, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! CAUGHT! Pat Cummins brings joy to the SRH camp as he removes the ever-dangerous Phil Salt at a very crucial juncture! Bowled fuller and on the off stump line, skidding off the track quickly. Phil Salt looks to whip it across the line but closes his bat face a bit too early. Hence a leading edge is found and the ball spoons up in the night sky behind the bowler. Harshal Patel sprints to his right from mid off and takes a fabulous running catch. Phil Salt departs for a blazing 62 (32) and RCB are 129/3.

11.2: Pat Cummins to Phil Salt, WIDE! Speared outside the tramline on the off side, Phil Salt lets it through. Wide called.

11.1: Pat Cummins to Rajat Patidar, Hard length, skidding through outside off, Rajat Patidar gets on the back foot and guides it down to deep third for a single.

10.6: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Phil Salt, SIX! Sheer power! Nitish bowls it short and keeps it wide of off. Phil Salt flat bats it over long off for a six.

10.5: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Rajat Patidar, Back of a length, around off, slapped through backward point for a single.

Rajat Patidar comes out to bat now. He is the Impact Sub for RCB, replacing Suyash Sharma.

10.4: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Mayank Agarwal, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! An important wicket for SRH and the bowling change has worked wonders for them! Nitish Kumar Reddy fires it outside off, keeping the length fuller. Mayank Agarwal throws his bat at it and tries to play it away from the body with not much foot movement. Ends up getting a faint outside edge and Ishan Kishan takes a regulation catch behind the stumps. Mayank Agarwal depats for 11 (10) and RCB are 120/2 now, needing another 112 runs off 56 balls remaining.

10.3: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Mayank Agarwal, Trying to be a bit cheeky there! Seeing Mayank shaping up to play the scoop shot over short fine leg, Nitish Kumar Reddy cleverly bowls it outside off, on a fuller length. Mayank Agarwal adjusts to it and taps it off the toe end to the off side.

10.2: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Phil Salt, Spears it onto the pads, on a fuller length, Phil Salt clips it toward deep mid-wicket for a single.

10.1: Nitish Kumar Reddy to Mayank Agarwal, Short of a length, at 127.8 kph, on top of middle, Mayank Agarwal pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

A slight halt as Phil Salt is down on the ground. Cramp? Looks like it. The physio is helping him out with some stretching exercises on the right leg. Meanwhile, Salt gulps some pickle juice as well. He is eventually back on his feet and looks fine to continue. Nitish Kumar Reddy is into the attack now.

9.6: Eshan Malinga to Phil Salt, Fullish one and on leg, Phil Salt whips it away wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

9.5: Eshan Malinga to Phil Salt, So close! Clever change of pace, dipping yorker, on off. Phil Salt is way early through his big heave and misses as the ball just goes past the off pole.

9.4: Eshan Malinga to Phil Salt, FOUR! FIFTY FOR SALT! A fantastic knock from him but he knows the job is not done yet here. A slower one, full and outside off. Phil Salt extends his arms and thrashes it away wide of long off for a boundary. He raises his bat to acknowledge it.

9.3: Eshan Malinga to Mayank Agarwal, Pitched up and on middle, Mayank Agarwal drives it wide of long on for a run.

9.2: Eshan Malinga to Phil Salt, Fuller and on middle, Phil Salt drills it to long on for a run. Nelson on the board.

9.1: Eshan Malinga to Phil Salt, An excellent yorker, on middle, shaping in. Phil Salt does well to squeeze it out wide of deep square leg for a brace.

8.6: Harsh Dubey to Phil Salt, Slows it up, full and on off, Phil Salt lofts it to long off for one more. 28 runs in the last two overs!

8.5: Harsh Dubey to Mayank Agarwal, Quicker, full and on leg, Mayank Agarwal works it through mid-wicket for one.

8.4: Harsh Dubey to Mayank Agarwal, Flighted, full and on middle, Mayank Agarwal lofts it over the bowler's head. Nitish Kumar Reddy runs to his left, but a bit too much. However, this time he manages to get his hand on it and just manages to stop the ball. Two runs taken.

8.3: Harsh Dubey to Phil Salt, Short again and on middle, Phil Salt pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

8.2: Harsh Dubey to Phil Salt, SIX! Up, up and away! Flighted, shortish and on middle. Phil Salt picks up the length early, backs away and hammers it way over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. He is looking in the mood here. The 100 is up for RCB as well!

8.1: Harsh Dubey to Mayank Agarwal, Short and on leg, Mayank Agarwal nudges it through mid-wicket for a single. 

7.6: Harshal Patel to Phil Salt, SIX! Easy pickings! Harshal Patel bowls a juicy full toss around off. Phil Salt is not going to miss out on that and he pumps it over the long off fence for a biggie. 16 runs off the over!

7.5: Harshal Patel to Mayank Agarwal, Short again and on middle, Mayank Agarwal pulls it well but straight towards deep square leg for just one.

7.4: Harshal Patel to Mayank Agarwal, FOUR! Good shot! Short of a length and outside off, Mayank Agarwal accepts the width on offer and cuts it over point for a boundary.

7.3: Harshal Patel to Mayank Agarwal, On a length and on middle, Mayank Agarwal clips it to mid-wicket.

7.2: Harshal Patel to Phil Salt, Back of a length and around off, Phil Salt punches it through covers for a single.

7.1: Harshal Patel to Phil Salt, FOUR! SMASHED! Fuller one and on middle, Phil Salt stays back and smacks it really hard and uppishly back past the bowler. Harshal Patel got fingertips on the follow-through but it still raced away to the fence for a boundary.

Mayank Agarwal walks out to bat at 3 for RCB! Also, a change in bowling as Harshal Patel (1-0-11-0) replaces Eshan Malinga.

6.6: Harsh Dubey to Virat Kohli, OUT! TAKEN! Harsh Dubey gets a massive wicket! He removes the chase master, Virat Kohli, and Sunrisers Hyderabad are thrilled to bits with that one. This is pushed through a bit quicker, short and on middle. Kohli uses the depth of the crease, backs away to punch it away, but gets a bit cramped up and ends up slicing it flat and straight to point, where Pat Cummins makes no mistake. The 80-run opening stand has been broken, as VK walks back for 43 off 25.

6.5: Harsh Dubey to Phil Salt, Flatter, short and on off, Phil Salt bunts it in front of covers for a quick one.

6.4: Harsh Dubey to Phil Salt, SIX! Clears the ropes easily! Flighted, full and around middle. Phil Salt keeps his head down, crouches low and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

6.3: Harsh Dubey to Phil Salt, Tossed up, full and on leg, Phil Salt pushes it to covers.

6.2: Harsh Dubey to Virat Kohli, Short again and on leg, Harsh Dubey punches it to longon for a single.

6.1: Harsh Dubey to Virat Kohli, Floated, short and on middle, Virat Kohli pats it back to the bowler.

Strategic Break! Royal Challengers Bengaluru have scored 72 runs in the Powerplay without losing a wicket, although they got lucky on a couple of occasions. This is exactly what they wanted, and these two will look to keep going at this rate as they have a lot of firepower in the batting. Sunrisers Hyderabad need to pick up wickets to stop the momentum and slow things down a bit to put the pressure back on RCB. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us. Also, Harsh Dubey to bowl after the break.

5.6: Eshan Malinga to Phil Salt, Goes fuller and on middle, shaping in, Phil Salt tries to flick it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls behind the stumps. 17 runs off the over!

5.5: Eshan Malinga to Phil Salt, SIX! That is a shot and a half! Eshan Malinga lands this short of a length but well outside off. Phil Salt frees his arms and crunches it over the deep backward point fence for half a dozen more.

5.4: Eshan Malinga to Phil Salt, A full toss now, pace on, shaping in, Phil Salt bunts it back to the bowler.

5.3: Eshan Malinga to Phil Salt, FOUR! Up and over! A slower one, full and around off. Phil Salt picks it up early, waits for it and smacks it over mid off for a boundary.

5.2: Eshan Malinga to Virat Kohli, A full toss, on middle, Virat Kohli looks to loft it down the ground but gets an inside edge towards short fine for a run.

5.1: Eshan Malinga to Virat Kohli, SIX! Virat Kohli greets the Sri Lankan with a bang! Fuller one and angling into the leg side, Kohli backs away a bit and heaves it away from the meat of the bat as the ball sails over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

4.6: Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, Another yorker from Unadkat, at the stumps, drilled down to long on for a single by Kohli.

4.5: Jaydev Unadkat to Phil Salt, A yorker on the money now, Salt digs it out to the right of mid on for a single.

4.4: Jaydev Unadkat to Phil Salt, FOUR! The 50 is up for RCB now! Short and on the pads, a loosener there to be put away. Salt swivels and pulls it to the vacant deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

4.4: Jaydev Unadkat to Phil Salt, WIDE! An over-the-head-bumper from Harshal now, over the top of the stumps. Phil Salt lets it pass. Wide called.

4.3: Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, Back of a length, angling onto the pads. Virat Kohli nudges it in front of mid-wicket and charges through for a single.

4.2: Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Maestro, absolute maestro this man is! Harshal again bowls a slower bouncer outside off, Virat Kohli charges down with a couple of steps and adjusts well with a tap on the ball. He threads the cover-point gap to perfection for a boundary.

4.1: Jaydev Unadkat to Phil Salt, Slower bouncer, on the back of a length, Salt waits for it to arrive and pulls it over square leg for a single.

3.6: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, Slows it up, on a good length and outside off, Virat swings hard at it but misses to connect, as he gets deceived by the lack of pace.

3.5: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, Harshal Patel bangs in a quick bouncer now, on middle, shoots up sharply off the duck. Virat Kohli looks to pull but misses.

3.4: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, Back of a length and on off, Virat Kohli steers it straight to short third.

3.4: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, WIDE! A slower bumper, going down the leg side, Virat Kohli goes for the pull shot, but misses and a Wide is called.

3.3: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, FOUR! That is Kohli at his absolute best! Overpitched by Harshal this time around, full and around off, Virat Kohli gets leaned forward and sends it up and over mid off for a boundary. Doesn't try to overhit it, just pure class and timing on that one from the chase master.

3.2: Harshal Patel to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Glorious written all over it! Full and wide of off from Harshal, Virat Kohli gets on top of the ball and opens the blade at the last minute, slicing it over backward point and beating the slide of the fielder to his left for a boundary.

3.1: Harshal Patel to Phil Salt, In the air...taken! But won't matter as it is a Free Hit! A low full toss, on off, Phil Salt mistimes it and slices it high up in the air. Nitish Kumar Reddy from cover gets under it and takes it but it doesn't count. A single taken.

3.1: Harshal Patel to Phil Salt, What could have been a wicket, it has become a Free Hit in the twinkle of an eye. Harshal Patel slips in a wild full toss, around waist height. Phil Salt stands tall and deep in the crease and plays the pull shot aerially. He, however, doesn't sail it over the ropes and the ball goes straight into the hands of the deep mid-wicket fielder, where Abhishek Sharma takes it over the head. The umpires want to check whether the ball is above the waist height of the batter. The Ball Tracking comes up and the technology saves the batter as the ball is marginally above the batter's waist. It is a No Ball.

Is that out or a No Ball? A big moment in the game. Phil Salt is not going anywhere, and the on-field umpires discuss among themselves before it is sent upstairs. The Ball Tracking shows that it is above the waist of the batter by 0.3 centimeters and is a No Ball. Margins, Margins!

2.6: Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Fired in fuller by Cummins, angling on the leg stump. Virat Kohli with a charge forward, tries to smash down the ground, but gets a thick inside edge. The ball runs towards short fine leg where the fielder dives over the ball and lets it through for a couple of runs.

2.5: Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Sharp bowling! A well-directed bouncer, on middle, angling in. Virat Kohli gets hurried onto his pull and misses. The ball hits him on the helmet and lands in the square leg region. A mandatory concussion check will happen now.

2.4: Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Fuller in length and angling on the pads, Virat Kohli chips it through square leg. Nitish Kumar Reddy runs across to his right, but overruns as the ball spins across him and runs into the fence for a boundary at deep square leg.

2.3: Pat Cummins to Phil Salt, Speared in fuller, on off, smashed toward mid off for a quick single.

2.2: Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Pat Cummins follows the batter and serves this full, angling into leg. Virat Kohli makes room to flick it but misses and gets hit on the pads as the ball rolls away. A leg bye is taken.

2.1: Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, FOUR! PULLED AWAY! Short and on the bodyline, skidding through quickly. Virat Kohli gets on the back foot and pulls it aerially towards deep square leg. Nitish Kumar Reddy there, stands yards inside the ropes in the deep, and the ball sails just over his leap. One bounce and into the fence for a boundary. Had NKR been on the ropes, that would have been a catch.

1.6: Jaydev Unadkat to Phil Salt, Short of a length, on top of middle and leg, Phil Salt pulls it through square leg and scampers for the second run. Good work there in the deep from Abhishek Sharma as he intercepts it to his right, keeping it to just a couple.

1.5: Jaydev Unadkat to Phil Salt, Fuller in length, around off, Phil Salt smashes it to mid off.

1.4: Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, Hard length, around the leg stump. Virat Kohli tries to whip across to the leg side, but misses. The ball lobs off the thigh pad and dips to the left of Heinrich Klaasen, who makes a half-stop as he dives full stretch to his left. They cross for a leg bye.

1.3: Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, Back of a length, angling into the pads, Virat Kohli clips it behind square on the leg side. The ball rolls towards the fence at widish deep fine leg fence, but is intercepted by Harsh Dubey as he sprints and slides to his right from deep square leg. Two taken.

1.2: Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Gee, that is some classy shot! Short of a good length, across off, Virat Kohli hangs on the back foot and punches it gloriously between cover and mid off for a cracking boundary.

1.1: Jaydev Unadkat to Virat Kohli, Unadkat begins with a slip, and lands it on a length, outside leg. Virat Kohli tries to steer it across to the leg side, but misses and the ball thuds his thigh pad.

Jaydev Unadkat to share the attack.

0.6: Pat Cummins to Phil Salt, A dot to end the first! On the money again, lands Cummins. It is fuller and on middle. Phil Salt responds with a solid front foot block. 10 off the opening over then!

Halt! The physio comes in for a mandatory concussion check as Phil Salt got hit on the helmet. We are good to go again.

0.5: Pat Cummins to Phil Salt, FOUR LEG BYES! Cummins bowls a lethal bouncer, angling and skidding into the body of the Englishman, Phil Salt takes off his eyes off the ball and swings to pull. He is late on the shot, and misses. The ball rams into the back of his helmet and lobs away, travelling to the boundary line at deep third.

0.4: Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, That in-between length, at 135.9 kph, on middle, Virat Kohli fends it away through the point region for a single.

0.3: Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, Aims the stumps now, does Cummins, full and on middle and leg, Virat Kohli leans onto the ball and clips it to mid-wicket.

0.2: Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Starts off well, does Kohli! Cummins offers width outside off, on a shortish length. Virat Kohli climbs on the bounce and slashes it off the outer half of the bat, over backward point for a boundary.

0.1: Pat Cummins to Phil Salt, Pat Cummins fires it at 140.5 kph, and bowls on the money. On a length, angling at the pads. Phil Salt is hurried into the pull shot and misses. The ball lobs off his thigh pad and lands near the square leg region. They get a leg bye.

We are back for the chase! Pat Cummins is rallying his troops onto the field as they spread out and take their respective field positions. Phil Salt and Virat Kohli are the two openers for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and they need to give a good start if they want to have any chance of chasing this one. Sachin Baby is on the field replacing Ishan Kishan, who is suffering from dehydration after that fine knock. That means Heinrich Klaasen will keep wickets for SRH. Also, Harsh Dubey comes in as the Impact Sub for them in place of Travis Head. Skipper, Pat Cummins, to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be quite disappointed with their bowling display today - a performance that clearly highlighted just how crucial Josh Hazlewood is to their attack. Lungi Ngidi and Bhuvi did well in removing the dangerous openers early in the Powerplay, but they struggled to contain the run flow thereafter. The spinners leaked plenty in the middle overs, even though they managed to grab a couple of wickets. Romario Shepherd’s two-wicket spell proved to be a key moment, or RCB could have been staring at a target closer to 250. A top-two finish is still within reach, but they'll need a monumental effort with the bat to chase down what would be the highest total in their IPL history. Join us in a bit for the second essay.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma is up for a quick chat with the broadcasters. On being asked about the nature of the wicket, he admits that it was a bit tricky and wasn't easy to bat on. Details that when they played the first over, he and Head spoke that it was the best wicket they have got this season. Says that they aimed at getting 230-240. Mentions that every batter came out with intent. About Ishan Kishan's batting, Sharma says that he was tremendous. He hopes to get to bowl in every match, but also says that it all depends on how Cummins thinks about the situation.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad openers came out firing, showing clear intent and racing to 50 in no time. However, neither could capitalise on their starts. Enter Ishan Kishan - and he reminded everyone why he’s regarded as one of India’s brightest batting prospects. He made it all look effortless, dispatching bowlers to all parts of the ground with ease. Heinrich Klaasen and Aniket Verma chipped in with brisk cameos to maintain the momentum. Kishan, meanwhile, brought up a superb half-century and remained unbeaten on 94 off 48, powering SRH to a total beyond the 230 mark.

A sensational batting performance from Sunrisers Hyderabad! This is the brand of cricket everyone anticipated from them all season, but it came a little too late. Still, it offers a clear reminder of just how lethal they can be against any bowling attack. If they can bring this level of consistency in the future, they'll be a serious force to reckon with in the seasons ahead.

19.6: Yash Dayal to Ishan Kishan, He bowls out a slower bouncer on the middle, this is pulled by Ishan Kishan a bit aerially, towards deep fine leg. The ball reaches the fielder on a couple of bounces and the batters cross over for a single. An expensive final over from Yash Dayal as he goes for 15 runs! SRH FINISH AT 231/6!

19.5: Yash Dayal to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Bread and butter for Ishan! A half volley around off, Ishan Kishan finds the ball in his hitting arc and swings through the line, depositing it well behind long off for a six. Ishan moves into the 90s now!

19.4: Yash Dayal to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! WHAT A SHOT! Yash Dayal bowls it wide of off, it is the slower one on a length, Ishan Kishan first shuffles to the leg side, but throws his bat at it, hitting it through the off side. While doing so, he falls over as he loses his balance, but gets the ball past the cover-point fielder for a boundary.

19.3: Yash Dayal to Ishan Kishan, An in-dipping low full toss, on off, at just 102.8 kph, Ishan Kishan heaves it across off the toe-end of the bat for a quick couple of runs.

19.2: Yash Dayal to Pat Cummins, Slower one, across off on a length, Pat Cummins shuffles across to drag the pull shot, but chops it off the inside edge of the bat. The ball passes over the stumps and rolls to short fine leg. One taken.

Halt! Oh..no! It looks like Tim David has done his hamstring while fielding that ball. He signals to the physio straightaway and walks off the field. Hopefully, it is nothing serious, as he is a key player for RCB. Also, Jacob Bethell comes in to replace him in the field.

19.1: Yash Dayal to Ishan Kishan, A low full toss from Dayal, on the pads, Ishan Kishan whips it aerially behind square. Tim David runs across to his left from deep square leg and manages to cut it off and restricting the batters to just a single. But, while doing so, he pulls off his hamstring and straightaway calls for the physio. 

Yash Dayal to bowl the last over. He has conceded 21 runs in his 2 overs. Also, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been penalised for Slow Over Rate and will have to keep one extra fielder inside the circle.

18.6: Lungi Ngidi to Pat Cummins, IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Lungi Ngidi with a valiant effort, but shells it down eventually. A slower ball again from the South African, fuller than a length, at the stumps. Pat Cummins is early into the shot, trying to loft it over the bowler. But ends up slicing it off the toe end of the bat. The ball is aired over around the mid off region. With no one to catch, Lungi Ngidi himself backtracks and attempts for the catch. Even gets his hands to the ball, but just doesn't cling on while tumbling. Two taken.

18.5: Lungi Ngidi to Pat Cummins, SIX! A superb connection and the skipper Cummins, joins the party now! Over the top of middle, jagging back in a bit as well. Pat Cummins picks it up and whips it across, depositing it behind deep mid-wicket for a six.

18.4: Lungi Ngidi to Pat Cummins, Nice and full, keeping it away from the batter's hitting arc, outside off, Pat Cummins swings for the hills but misses.

18.3: Lungi Ngidi to Pat Cummins, A slower ball, well outside off, Pat Cummins is months early to pull this length ball. He airs it over mid-wicket, but luckily for him, there's no protection over there. Phil Salt charges from the deep and by the time, the batters take two.

18.2: Lungi Ngidi to Pat Cummins, Shorter length, over the top of middle, Pat Cummins swats it aerially over mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

18.1: Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, A slower ball, outside off, pitching fuller, Ishan Kishan hits it down to long off for a single.

17.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, Full and around off, drilled to long off for a single.

17.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, SIX! A low full toss on off, Ishan Kishan picks up nicely, however, his bottom hand comes off the handle, but still, he maintains a good balance and timing, and parks it behind long on for a cracking six.

17.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, A review taken by RCB for wide given. Bhuvi bowls a wide yorker, just around the tramline. Ishan Kishan switches his stance and tries to scoop it over short fine leg, but misses. The replay comes up with a guideline and the ball is passing beyond it. However, RCB players are not pleased with the decision as they discuss with the umpire about the guideline moving further in an equivalent amount with the foot moving across. The revised guideline now comes up and shows the ball to be passing well within it. Hence, the on-field decision is reversed.

17.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, A yorker, on off, Ishan Kishan shovels it into the cover region and calls for the second. Runs the first one hard and runs for the second by gallopping across.

17.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Nicely played! A low full toss, on off, Ishan Kishan smashes it just above Tim David who leaps over cover, but couldn't reach it. The ball races away to the fence.

17.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, BUZZERS! A low full toss angling away outside off. Ishan drives it to extra cover, from where the throw isn't collected well by Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the bowling end, which allows a second run.

Pat Cummins walks out to bat now.

16.6: Romario Shepherd to Abhinav Manohar, OUT! IN THE AIR AND SALT TAKES IT! SRH are six down now as Romario Shepherd picks up his second wicket! This is on the shorter side of the pitch, climbing on the shoulder height of the batter. Abhinav Manohar looks to hook it over deep mid-wicket, but ends up mistiming it, hitting it nowhere off the middle of the bat. Goes through the shot and airs it straight towards deep mid-wicket, where Phil Salt settles under it. He tries to snaffle it, but somehow, the ball slips through his palms. He juggles a bit and takes it in the second attempt.

16.5: Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, Drags the length back, on off, Ishan Kishan looks to work it to the leg side, but ends up fending it to the off side for a single.

16.4: Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, SIX! OH, HELLO? Goes for another yorker, does Romario Shepherd, but ends up offering a low full toss outside off, Ishan Kishan fetches the ball from the fifth stump, and sweeps it behind deep fine leg for a six.

16.3: Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, Serves another wide yorker, outside off, but inside the guideline this time. Ishan Kishan looks to jam it out but misses.

16.3: Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, WIDE! Strays a slower one, 113 kph, beyond the tramline on the off side. Ishan Kishan leaves it alone. Wide called.

16.2: Romario Shepherd to Abhinav Manohar, Short pitched, around the shoulder height, Abhinav Manohar pulls it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a single.

16.1: Romario Shepherd to Abhinav Manohar, Hard length, over the top of off, Abhinav Manohar tucks across with soft hands as the ball rolls towards deep mid-wicket. By the time the fielder from the deep picks up, the batters scamper through for the second.

15.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhinav Manohar, A low full toss this time around, Abhinav Manohar pushes it straight down to long off for a single. Despite the six, this over goes for just 9 runs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's figures read 3-0-28-1.

15.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, At 134.6 kph, full and on leg, drilled down to long on for a single.

15.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhinav Manohar, Hard length, around off, Abhinav Manohar slices it through backward point for a single. Brings Ishan on the strike now.

15.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhinav Manohar, SIX! Breaks the shackles with a magnificent hit! Bhuvi bowls it short and keeps it outside off. Abhinav Manohar has enough room to work with as he gets on top of the bounce, and just cuts it aerially and behind deep backward point for a six.

15.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhinav Manohar, Two dots on the trot! Back of a length, outside off, slashed hard, but straight to the cover fielder.

15.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhinav Manohar, Hits the deck hard, does Bhuvi, around off, Abhinav Manohar punches it off the back foot to short cover.

14.6: Romario Shepherd to Abhinav Manohar, Back of a length and on fof, Abhinav Manohar dabs it towards point for one. Just 3 runs and a wicket off the over. Superb stuff!

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have pulled things back a bit, but they still need to execute their plans well in the death. Reminder that the highest total they have chased this season is 175, so this is going to be well beyond that. We have got a game on our hands.

14.6: Romario Shepherd to Abhinav Manohar, Goes fuller but down the leg sie, Abhinav Manohar misses his flick. Wided.

14.5: Romario Shepherd to Abhinav Manohar, Beaten! Hits the hard length, on off, holds the line. Abhinav Manohar has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

14.4: Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, Short of a length and outside off, Ishan Kishan cuts it to deep point for a run.

As the ball rammed into Abhinav Manohar's helmet, a mandatory concussion test is underway for him. The physio is out to do the formalities. Manohar looks fine to continue.

14.3: Romario Shepherd to Abhinav Manohar, Fiery! Romario Shepherd bangs in another sharp bouncer, pace on this time. Abhinav Manohar is very late to react as he is not expecting that. The ball hits his helmet and flies towards third man. A leg bye is taken.

Abhinav Manohar walks to bat at 7.

14.2: Romario Shepherd to Nitish Kumar Reddy, OUT! TAKEN! Romario Shepherd gets a wicket in his first over! A soft dismissal and Nitish Kumar Reddy falls cheaply. A good bouncer, on middle, takes pace off too. Reddy looks to pull it over his head but takes his eyes off the ball. It takes the top edge and flies straight to short fine, where Krunal Pandya takes a dolly. SRH lose half their side now as Nitish Kumar Reddy departs for 4 (7).

14.1: Romario Shepherd to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Fuller and on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy drills it down the pitch where Romario Shepherd stops it with his right foot.

Romario Shepherd is introduced into the attack now. He replaces Lungi Ngidi.

13.6: Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Another short delivery, on off, Ishan Kishan backs away and punches it straight to extra covers.

13.5: Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Nicely played! Flighted, full and on middle. Ishan Kishan steps across a bit and slogs it away between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.

13.4: Krunal Pandya to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Drags his length back, on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy slaps it to long on for another run.

13.3: Krunal Pandya to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tossed up, full and on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy knocks it down the pitch.

13.2: Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Short again and around off, Ishan Kishan cuts it through point for a single.

It looks like something has gone in Ishan Kishan's eyes and he is trying to remove it with a towel. All set to continue.

13.1: Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, FIFTY FOR KISHAN! His second of the season, and he has been quite superb here. Just playing to his strengths and not forcing anything. This is short and on middle, Ishan Kishan nudges it towards deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second run.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Sunrisers Hyderabad have lost wickets at regular intervals, but a big positive for them is that all the incoming batters have displayed that aggressive intent. Heinrich Klaasen and Aniket Verma played handy cameos, while Ishan Kishan is looking a bit more composed on the crease, nearing his half century. With seven overs remaining, SRH are already eyeing a total in excess of 220, on a pitch where the first innings' average score hovers around 160-170. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have managed to pick up wickets, but have also leaked runs at an enormous rate, especially their spinners, who have taken a tour around the park. They will look to stem the run flow in the backend of the innings and restrict SRH to a total as low as possible, while the Sunrisers would want Ishan Kishan to bat till the end. Here's Krunal Pandya into the attack after the break. He will wrap his spell for the evening and his figures read 3-0-30-1 so far.

12.6: Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, On a length and on leg, Ishan Kishan nudges it to deep square leg for one more.

12.5: Lungi Ngidi to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pitched up and on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy clips it through mid-wicket for one.

12.4: Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, A good yorker now, on off, Ishan Kishan jams it out towards long on for another run.

12.3: Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Good shot! A slower one, full and around off. Ishan Kishan almost gets deceived by the lack of pace but does well to loft it over mid off for a boundary. 150 up for SRH now!

12.2: Lungi Ngidi to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Fuller and on middle, Nitish Kumar Reddy eases it towards long on for a run.

12.1: Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, Back of a length and on middle, Ishan Kishan works it towards mid on for a single.

Lungi Ngidi returns into the attack. He is 2-0-29-1 so far, and replaces Suyash Sharma.

11.6: Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Goes short and on middle, Ishan Kishan pulls it to deep square leg for one more. A wicket and 15 runs off the over!

11.5: Krunal Pandya to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Quicker, full and on leg, Nitish Kumar Reddy flicks it through square leg for one.

Nitish Kumar Reddy is in at number 6 for the Sunrisers.

11.4: Krunal Pandya to Aniket Verma, OUT! TAKEN! Krunal Pandya has the last laugh here! He slows it up a bit, full and on middle, turns away a bit. Aniket Verma backs away and tries to slog it across the line but only manages a top edge due to the spin. The ball loops up in the air towards point where two fielders get underneath, including Lungi Ngidi and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. But in the end it is Bhuvneshwar Kumar who calls for it, and takes the catch to his left, as Ngidi just backs off a few steps. Verma goes back after a fiery 26 off just 9 balls, and SRH are 146/4!

11.3: Krunal Pandya to Aniket Verma, SIX! That's just a gift! A juicy full toss around off. Aniket Verma stays firmly in his crease, reaches out and smashes it over the long off fence for yet another biggie.

11.2: Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Short and on leg, Ishan Kishan nudges it thorugh mid-wicket for one.

11.1: Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Into the stands! Floated, full and around leg. Ishan Kishan makes a bit of room early, gets down on one knee and nails the slog sweep over the deep square leg fence for half a dozen more.

10.6: Suyash Sharma to Aniket Verma, SIX! Aniket Verma is playing a blinder here! Flighted delivery, full and on off, turns away a bit. Verma gets right underneath that one and dispatches it over the long off fence for another biggie. 19 runs off the over!

10.5: Suyash Sharma to Aniket Verma, FOUR! SHORT AND PUNISHED! A half-tracker, on middle. Aniket Verma rocks back quickly and pulls it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

10.4: Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Quicker, short and on off, Ishan Kishan swats it to long off for another run.

10.3: Suyash Sharma to Aniket Verma, A googly now, short and on middle, turns in, Aniket Verma clips it through square leg for a run.

10.2: Suyash Sharma to Aniket Verma, SIX! Clears the fence with ease! Tossed up, full and on off. Aniket Verma gets his front leg out of the way and pumps it with the turn over the long off fence for a biggie.

10.1: Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Short and around off, Ishan Kishan forces it towards long off for a single.

9.6: Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, A seam-up delivery by the looks of it, quicker at 100.7 kph, fuller and on middle and leg, Ishan Kishan works across the line and clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Halfway through the first innings and Sunrisers Hyderabad are 113/3.

9.5: Krunal Pandya to Aniket Verma, Floated up, fuller and on off, Aniket Verma slogs off the inside half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for a single.

9.4: Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Pitched fuller at 91 kph, on middle and leg, Ishan Kishan tries to clip it across, but the ball takes the leading edge and rolls to deep backward point for a single.

9.3: Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, SIX! Slapped away! Too short and too quick from Krunal, around middle, Ishan Kishan swivels and pulls it comfortably behind deep mid-wicket for a huge six.

9.2: Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Length is pushed back a bit, across off, Ishan Kishan gets across and tucks it to mid-wicket.

9.1: Krunal Pandya to Aniket Verma, Pushed through, full and on middle, 101.4 kph, Aniket Verma leans ahead and drives down to long off for a single.

8.6: Suyash Sharma to Aniket Verma, A deceptive googly again, on a shortish length, at the pads, Aniket Verma hangs back and steers it away to deep mid-wicket for a single. A 14-run over from Suyash Sharma, but he and RCB will take it as they did get to see the back of the dangerous-looking Heinrich Klaasen as well.

Aniket Verma is the next man in.

8.5: Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! CAUGHT! Couldn't be a more better redemption for Suyash Sharma this! He darts in a quicker wrong'un, drifting into the batter, on the leg stump line. Heinrich Klaasen gets lured and attempts to smack the ball behind long, but the ball is a bit too full and hence, Klaasen doesn't time the ball well. It goes off the toe end and travels straight into the safe hands of Romario Shepherd at long on. Heinrich Klaasen departs on 24 (13) and Sunrisers Hyderabad slip down to 102/3 now.

8.4: Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, FOUR! The 100 is up for Sunrisers Hyderabad! Drifted down the leg side, on a fullish length, Heinrich Klaasen helps it on its way and tickles past short fine leg for a boundary.

8.3: Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, A googly dished out, on a length, outside off, Ishan Kishan rocks back and cuts it to deep point for a single. The partnership moves to 44 off 25 balls.

8.2: Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Pulled away! Drags the length back, does Suyash Sharma now, turning into the batter. Ishan Kishan picks the length in a trice and pulls it towards the left of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

8.1: Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Just over the infield! A leg break from around the stumps, fuller and on off, Ishan Kishan spreads across the pitch getting on his knee and hammers it over the leaping Virat Kohli at cover for a boundary.

7.6: Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, At 99.5 kph, on a length, around middle and off, Ishan Kishan hangs back and tucks it to the vacant mid on region. Krunal Pandya chases the ball himself as there's no protection there. Gets to the ball quickly and keeps the batters to a single. A tidy start for Krunal! Just 5 conceded off his opener! 

7.5: Krunal Pandya to Heinrich Klaasen, Full and quick, on middle, curving the ball into the batter, Heinrich Klaasen heaves off the inner half of the bat to deep square leg and gets a single.

7.4: Krunal Pandya to Heinrich Klaasen, Attacks the stumps, quicker at 102 kph, full in length. Heinrich Klaasen creates some space to smash it through the off side, but almost chops it off the inner half of the bat onto the pitch.

7.3: Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Flatter and quicker through the air, on a yard behind fuller length, Ishan Kishan gets across a bit and nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

7.2: Krunal Pandya to Heinrich Klaasen, Floated up, full and on middle, Heinrich Klaasen makes some room for himself and works it down to long off for a single.

7.1: Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Starts from around the stumps, does Krunal, bowling it fuller and on the leg stump, Ishan Kishan plays it with the spin and works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Strategic Break! Sunrisers Hyderabad are going at over 10 runs per over, despite losing both the openers. Heinrich Klaasen looks in a dangerous mood, and Ishan Kishan will want to complement him, marching towards a big total here. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will know that, after these two, the middle order haven't done much, so a couple of wickets and they will be on top of the game. This is nicely poised at the moment, and we can expect an exciting phase of cricket next. Also, Krunal Pandya to bowl after the break.

6.6: Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Pitched fuller and around off, Ishan Kishan gets forward with a huge stride and drives it along the ground to long off. One taken. 13 off this over, 27 from the last two for SRH!

6.5: Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, Darted onto the pads, on a length, Heinrich Klaasen misses to glance across the line and the ball grazes off his thigh pad towards short fine leg. They cross for a leg bye.

6.4: Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, SIX! Well, it is raining sixes here! Landed right into the slot, full and around middle, Heinrich Klaasen with a free-flow of the bat, detects the wrong'un quickly and sends it sailing 85 meters behind long on for a six.

6.3: Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, FOUR! Power and delicacy! Sprayed onto the pads by Suyash, on a length, Heinrich Klaasen tickles it very fine and picks up a boundary at deep fine leg. 

6.2: Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Across off, at 89.8 kph, full in length, Ishan Kishan lunges forward and drills it down to long off for a single.

6.1: Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Suyash Sharma is into the attack now. He bowls a fuller ball, on off, with a good flight, Ishan Kishan leans forward and pushes it to cover.

5.6: Lungi Ngidi to Heinrich Klaasen, SIX! THAT'S DISAPPEARED! Sheer Klaasen power! On a good length, angling on the stumps, sitting up nicely for the batter. Heinrich Klaasen creates a stable base for himself before mercilessly pulling it behind deep mid-wicket for a six. That has gone rows back into the stands. That was a six at any ground across the globe! Sunrisers Hyderabad end their Powerplay with a 14-run over. They are 71/2.

5.5: Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, In the air...safe! Back of a length, just around off, Ishan Kishan dances down the track, and mistimes the ball by slicing it up in the air, but luckily for him, the ball lands behind the backtracking cover fielder. A single taken.

5.4: Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Hammered down the ground! A slower one again from Lungi Ngidi, but a nice juicy half volley, on off, Ishan Kishan gets the ball in the slot and drills it to the right of long on for a cracking boundary.

5.3: Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, Nagging length, angling on the off stump, Ishan Kishan respects it and blocks it straight back to the bowler.

5.2: Lungi Ngidi to Ishan Kishan, Around the stumps now, a slower ball, full and around off, Ishan Kishan leans on to push into the off side, but is a bit early into the shot. Gets a thick inside edge and the ball rolls behind square to the leg side. By the time the deep backward square leg fielder mops it up, the batters hare back for the second.

5.1: Lungi Ngidi to Heinrich Klaasen, A slip in place and Ngidi bowls it on a length, on top of off, Heinrich Klaasen lets the ball arrive and guides it past backward point for a single.

4.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, DROPPED! A tough chance though! Good length but down the leg side, Ishan Kishan looks to flick it but tickles it behind the stumps. Jitesh Sharma dives to his right to grab it with his outstretched glove, but it just parries away. He chases after it and slides to push it back inside. Two runs taken.

4.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Heinrich Klaasen, Run out chance...missed! Short of a length and on off, Heinrich Klaasen punches it towards covers and sets off for the run. Romario Shepherd picks up and has a shy at the batter's end but misses with Kishan nowhere near the crease. Could have been disastrous for SRH.

4.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Heinrich Klaasen, Pitched up and on middle, Heinrich Klaasen blocks it out.

4.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Heinrich Klaasen, Back of a length and on middle, Heinrich Klaasen pats it towards mid on.

Heinrich Klaasen is in at 4 for the Sunrisers.

4.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Travis Head, OUT! TAKEN! Bhuvneshwar Kumar strikes now! A double strike for RCB and they are right back in the game. This is a slower one, the knuckle ball bowled on a hard length and around off. Travis Head looks to loft it down the ground, but is a bit early into his shot. He loses his bottom hand and ends up slicing it straight to mid off where Romario Shepherd takes a comfortable catch. SRH lose both the openers in the space of 3 balls. Travis Head departs for 17 off 10 and SRH are 54/2 now, in some trouble.

4.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Travis Head, Fuller and on middle, Travis Head drives it straight to covers.

Ishan Kishan is in at 3. Also, a change in bowling as Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back on. Went for 18 off his first over. He replaces Yash Dayal.

3.6: Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, OUT! TAKEN! Lungi Ngidi gets a huge wicket here and provides the first breakthrough for his side! He serves this one full and angling into the pads. Abhishek Sharma picks it up nicely and whips it away. He connects well, but unfortunately straight towards the deep backward square leg fielder. Phil Salt runs a bit to his left and takes a good catch. Abhishek departs after a quick-fire 34 off just 17, and SRH are 54/1!

3.5: Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Innovative and effective! Change of pace again, hard length and around leg. Abhishek Sharma shuffles across quickly and scoops it to the fine leg fence for another boundary. This brings up Abhishek Sharma's 4000 runs in all T20s! A massive feat for the left-hander at such a young age.

3.4: Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, Slower one, on a length and on leg, Abhishek Sharma pats it to point.

3.3: Lungi Ngidi to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! Wow, what a shot! Lungi Ngidi bangs this into the pitch again, on off. Abhishek Sharma backs away to access the off side and carves it so well that it goes all the way over extra covers for a biggie. 50 up for SRH in no time!

3.2: Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, Back of a length and on middle, Travis Head mistimes his pull on the bounce to deep square leg for a single.

3.1: Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, FOUR! Welcome to the match, Lungi Ngidi! This is short of a length and on off. Travis Head gets on top of the bounce quickly and heaves it away through mid-wiclet for a boundary.

Bhuvi to continue? Nope. The first bowling change for RCB. Here's Lungi Ngidi into the attack.

2.6: Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, Swing and a miss! Good length and around middle, Abhishek Sharma skips down the track to go big down the ground but misses as the ball just goes over the stumps. End of an eventful over!

2.5: Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, Yash Dayal follows the batter and bangs in a good short ball, on leg, Abhishek Sharma backs away and tries to cut but fails to connect.

2.4: Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! He does not miss this time! Fuller one and on middle, in the slot as well. Abhishek Sharma clears his front leg away and tonks it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

2.3: Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, Good reply! Yash Dayal bangs in a sharp bouncer, on middle, gets some extra bounce again. Abhishek Sharma looks to pull it away but misses.

2.3: Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, A big appeal for caught behind, but turned down! Short of a length and outside off, takes off sharply. Abhishek Sharma looks to cut but misses as Jitesh Sharma grabs it behind the stumps. Dayal and the keeper both look confident and think of going for the review. Scratch that - the siren goes off and Dayal has overstepped here, so nothing else matters. It is a No Ball and a Free Hit is up next.

2.2: Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Cracking shot! Pitched up and just outside off. Abhishek Sharma gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it over covers for a boundary.

2.1: Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, Fuller one and around off, shaping away, Abhishek Sharma lofts it over extra covers for a brace.

1.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhishek Sharma, Sees the batter advance and serves this on a hard length, on leg. Abhishek Sharma gets cramped and misses as the ball deflects off the pads towards short fine. Another leg bye.

1.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! BANG! The sweet sound of the bat! Bhuvneshwar Kumar bangs this one into the pitch, on middle sits up nicely for the batter. Abhishek Sharma hangs back in the crease and hammers it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

1.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Up and over! Hits the length hard and on middle and off. Abhishek Sharma goes a bit inside out and slices it over extra covers for a boundary. The SRH openers look in the mood here.

1.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Travis Head, On a length and around leg, Travis Head misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads to the leg side. A leg bye is taken.

1.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Travis Head, Back of a length and on off, Travis Head backs away to cut it but gets an inside edge wide of fine leg for a brace.

1.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Travis Head, FOUR! Put away! Bhuvneshwar Kumar begins with a good-length delivery, but strays on the pads. Travis Head glances it away nicely to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to operate from the far end.

0.6: Yash Dayal to Travis Head, The stumps act as a fielder there! Good length and on off, Travis Head forces it down the pitch where it hits the wickets at the non-striker's end and deflects towards mid-wicket. They cross. 8 runs off the first over!

0.5: Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, Pitches it up, on off, swings in a long way, Abhishek Sharma drills it through point for one.

0.4: Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, Back of a length and on off, Abhishek Sharma bunts it towards the slip cordon.

0.3: Yash Dayal to Travis Head, Short of a length and around off, Travis Head punches it through cover-point for a run.

0.2: Yash Dayal to Travis Head, FOUR! Travis Head gets off the mark with a boundary! Goes fuller and well outside off. Head does really well to reach out for it. He loses his balance but still connects with the ball. It is not from the middle of the but but races through the covers, beating the chasing fielder for four runs. First one of the game!

0.1: Yash Dayal to Abhishek Sharma, Ooo...streaky! Yash Dayal starts with a hard-length delivery, on off, shaping in. Abhishek Sharma stays back and looks to push it away, but gets an inside edge just past the leg stump and towards backward square leg. A single is taken.

In all readiness for the action to get underway at Lucknow! It is warm and humid out there, and it is a full house nonetheless. The two umpires walk out to the center. The players of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, under the leadership of Jitesh Sharma for tonight, spread out to their respective fielding positions. Out walks the destructive opening pair for SRH, fondly known as 'Travishek', as Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma walk to the crease. Yash Dayal to open the attack for RCB. Abhishek to face the first ball. Off we go...

Pat Cummins, the skipper of Sunrisers Hyderabad, says that they have shown some good signs in the last couple of games. Adds that this is the first year of the three-year cycle and they need to keep most of the squad together. Mentions that they have to be more consistent, they chased down 200 quite easily but they need to do it more often. Says that he has been bowling with Shami and getting ready for Test cricket. Informs Travis Head, Abhinav Manohar, and Jaydev Unadkat come back in the team.

Jitesh Sharma, captaining Royal Challengers Bengaluru for tonight's game, acknowledges that it's his first time leading RCB. However, he recalls previously captaining Punjab Kings, coincidentally against the Sunrisers. He describes the surface as unfamiliar to the team, making the decision to bowl first a strategic one. Sharma expresses confidence in the squad’s progress, emphasizing their goal to finish among the top two. He assures that the team remains focused, refusing to be complacent, and is determined to win every match and ultimately the title. Concludes by informing that Rajat Patidar will come in as the Impact Sub, and Mayank Agarwal comes in for the injured Devdutt Padikkal.

Impact Players for Sunrisers Hyderabad - Mohammad Shami, Harsh Dubey, Sachin Baby, Zeeshan Ansari, Simarjeet Singh.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI) - Travis Head (In for Kamindu Mendis), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar (In for Harsh Dubey), Pat Cummins (C), Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat (In for Zeeshan Ansari), Eshan Malinga.

Impact Players for Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Rajat Patidar, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh.  

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (In for Jacob Bethell), Mayank Agarwal, Jitesh Sharma (C/WK), Romario Shepherd, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma (In for Rajat Patidar).

TOSS - Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won the toss and elected to BOWL first.

UPDATE - Jitesh Sharma is stepping out for the toss as the skipper of Royal Challengers Bengaluru which suggests Rajat Patidar is missing out and may come in as Impact Sub.