Abhishek Sharma scores 59 as Sunrisers Hyderabad eliminate Lucknow Super Giants

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) put on a stellar show to defeat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by six wickets at Ekana Cricket Stadium, ending LSG’s hopes of reaching the IPL 2025 playoffs. Chasing a steep target of 206, SRH’s batsmen, led by Abhishek Sharma’s fiery 59 off just 20 balls, sealed the victory with 10 balls to spare.

Key Highlights:

• Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 59 off 20 balls led SRH to a six-wicket win over LSG
• SRH chased down 206 with 10 balls to spare, showcasing powerful batting depth
• LSG’s playoff hopes ended despite a strong start from Marsh and Markram

LSG batted first after SRH chose to bowl, posting a strong 205/7. Mitchell Marsh (65 off 39) and Aiden Markram (61 off 38) gave LSG a flying start with a 115-run opening partnership. Nicholas Pooran chipped in with a quick 45 off 26, but SRH’s bowlers, Eshan Malinga (2/28) and Harshal Patel, struck late to dismiss Shardul Thakur and Abdul Samad, keeping the score within reach.

SRH’s chase was powered by Sharma, who smashed four sixes in a row off Ravi Bishnoi in the seventh over, racing to a 20-ball fifty. Though Atharva Taide fell early, Ishan Kishan (35) and Heinrich Klaasen (47) kept the runs flowing. A tense moment came when Klaasen was caught by Rishabh Pant off Shardul Thakur after a review, and Kamindu Mendis had to retire hurt with just nine runs left. Nitish Kumar Reddy stayed calm to guide SRH home.

LSG needed to win their last three games to stay in the playoff race, but SRH’s dominant performance crushed those dreams. Digvesh Rathi took two wickets, including Kishan’s, but couldn’t stop SRH’s aggressive batting, which hit 120 runs by the 10th over. This loss made LSG the fifth team knocked out, leaving Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians to fight for the final playoff spot.

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Despite being out of the playoff race themselves, SRH showed their strength with tight bowling and explosive batting. LSG, however, struggled with captain Rishabh Pant’s poor form (averaging 12.8 this season) and an injury-weakened pace attack. Fans enjoyed the thrilling match on Star Sports and JioHotstar, as SRH’s win highlighted their flair and LSG’s fading campaign.