Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have bounced back brilliantly in Match 65 of IPL 2025, striking two crucial blows at the end of the powerplay to remove both Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) openers — Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma — within the space of just three balls.
After being asked to bat first at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, SRH got off to a flying start, racing to 71 runs in just six overs. The explosive opening pair of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma looked unstoppable, punishing anything loose and building a strong platform for a big total.
However, the game turned sharply as RCB’s bowlers delivered under pressure. Travis Head was the first to fall, miscuing a lofted drive that landed safely in the hands of long-off. Just two balls later, Abhishek Sharma, who had been in sublime form, perished attempting a big shot over the infield, only to find the fielder in the deep.
The double blow rocked SRH, silencing their early momentum and handing RCB a vital upper hand in the contest. With both openers back in the pavilion, the pressure now shifts to SRH’s middle order to rebuild and steady the innings.
This turnaround comes under the interim captaincy of Jitesh Sharma, leading RCB for the first time as regular skipper Rajat Patidar plays as an impact substitute. Sharma’s aggressive field placements and the bowlers’ execution have so far paid off.
With the playoffs approaching, both teams are fighting for crucial points — and this thrilling powerplay exchange has already set the tone for what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
Stay tuned for more live action from this pulsating IPL showdown.
