In an unexpected turn of events, Sunrisers Hyderabad were officially knocked out of the IPL 2025 playoff race after persistent rain led to the abandonment of their crucial Match 55 clash against Delhi Capitals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Monday.
Chasing a modest target of 134, SRH were denied even a chance to begin their innings as unrelenting showers had the final say. Both teams shared a point each, but the outcome proved fatal for the hosts, whose playoff aspirations were already hanging by a thread.
SRH thus became the third team to exit the playoff contention this season, joining Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals on the sidelines.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for skipper Pat Cummins and his men, especially after the Australian pace ace delivered one of his finest spells of the season. Winning the toss and opting to bowl, Cummins struck with the very first delivery — a back-of-a-length gem that seamed away to find Karun Nair’s outside edge. Stand-in wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan, replacing Heinrich Klaasen, completed a sharp take behind the stumps.
Cummins returned in his next over to deceive Faf du Plessis, adjusting his length smartly as the veteran charged down the track. The mistimed swipe resulted in a bottom edge through to Kishan. The captain then accounted for Abishek Porel, who chipped a soft leading edge to give Kishan his third catch of the night.
Although Cummins wasn’t directly involved in every wicket, his relentless pressure set the tone. Axar Patel’s counterattack was short-lived as Harshal Patel’s slower ball held in the pitch, inducing a mistimed loft that saw Cummins pull off a brilliant one-handed catch at mid-off.
Jaydev Unadkat added to Delhi’s woes by dismissing K.L. Rahul with a delivery that straightened just enough to take the edge. Kishan’s fourth catch of the innings made history — the first instance in IPL where all top four batters were caught by the wicketkeeper.
With Delhi reeling at 29 for 5 in the eighth over, Tristan Stubbs and debutant Vipraj Nigam attempted a rescue act. Their 33-run stand ended in comical fashion as both batters found themselves at the same end. Stubbs survived; Nigam departed.
Impact Player Ashutosh Sharma provided a late surge, smashing 41 off 28 balls with two clean sixes off Zeeshan Ansari. He added crucial runs alongside Stubbs to help Delhi post a fighting 133 for 7 from their 20 overs.
But as Hyderabad geared up for what appeared to be a straightforward chase, a steady drizzle escalated into a heavy downpour, rendering the outfield unplayable despite the ground staff’s best efforts. Eventually, the umpires had no option but to call off the match.
Brief Scores:
Delhi Capitals 133/7 in 20 overs (Ashutosh Sharma 41, Tristan Stubbs 41; Pat Cummins 3/19, Jaydev Unadkat 1/13) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad. Match abandoned due to rain.
(With IANS inputs)
