Ishan Kishan, Abhishek, Klaasen’s batting masterclass propels them to a 55-run win
Hyderabad: Sunrisers Hyderabad produced a trademark high-octane batting display to register a 55-run win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru here on Friday, but it was RCB who finished atop the IPL points table at the end of the league stage.
Asked to bat first, SRH piled up a massive 255 for 4, powered by explosive knocks from Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen. Abhishek smashed 56 off 22 balls, Kishan struck 79 off 46, while Klaasen blazed 51 off 24 as SRH once again underlined their aggressive template.
In reply, RCB’s chase was never about the result but about securing a top-two finish by crossing the 166-run mark. Despite losing wickets, Rajat Patidar (56) and Krunal Pandya (41 not out) guided them to 200 for 4, comfortably ensuring the required net run rate cushion.
RCB ended the league stage with 18 points and a net run rate of +0.783, finishing ahead of Gujarat Titans (+0.695) and SRH (+0.524), with all three teams tied on points.
Among SRH bowlers, Eshan Malinga (2/33) and Sakib Hussain (1/31) were the most effective.
