With the league stage of IPL 2025 entering its final week, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face off against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 65 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. This encounter is pivotal for RCB, who sit second on the table and need a win to lock in a top-two finish and gain two shots at reaching the final. For SRH, already eliminated from playoff contention, it’s a chance to play spoilsport and salvage some pride.
Match Details
- Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Match 65, IPL 2025
- Date & Time: May 23, 2025, 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar App, Star Sports Network
RCB vs SRH Match Preview
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have looked like a complete unit this season. With Rajat Patidar impressing as a leader and Virat Kohli and Will Jacks in top batting form, RCB’s engine is well-oiled heading into the playoffs. Their bowling, led by Yash Dayal and Harshal Patel, has adapted well to different conditions, and they will be keen to use this match to fine-tune their combinations before Qualifier 1.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, have been one of the most underwhelming sides of IPL 2025. Despite a few bright moments from Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen, consistency has evaded them. Captain Pat Cummins has been their most reliable performer, but the overall lack of firepower in the spin department and poor away record has cost them.
Ekana Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The Ekana pitch has historically favored slower bowlers and offered variable bounce. The average first-innings score here in IPL matches is around 155, with teams defending totals winning more often than not. However, dew later in the evening often shifts the advantage to chasing teams. Spin will play a role in the middle overs, but batters who get set can still accelerate.
| IPL Stats at Ekana | Record |
|---|---|
| Avg 1st Innings Score | 155 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 9 |
| Matches Won Chasing | 6 |
RCB vs SRH Head-to-Head Record
| Total Matches | RCB Wins | SRH Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 11 | 13 | 1 |
Predicted Playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Atharva Taide/Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Kamindu Mendis/Abhinav Manohar, Aniket Verma, Nitish Reddy, Pat Cummins (C), Harshal Patel, Harsh Dubey, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga
RCB vs SRH Match Prediction
Despite trailing in the head-to-head record, RCB are clear favorites going into this match. Their current form, squad balance, and motivation to secure a top-two finish give them a distinct edge over an inconsistent SRH outfit. The match-ups—Kohli vs Cummins, Klaasen vs Dayal—will be key, but unless SRH’s top order produces something special, RCB should control proceedings.
Win Probability:
- RCB: 63%
- SRH: 37%
Predicted Outcome:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win by 6–8 wickets or 20–30 runs, depending on the toss.
