IPL 2025: SRH Secures Victory with 246 Chase, Iyer Amused

Key Takeaways

Sunrisers Hyderabad achieved a stunning chase of 246 runs.
Shreyas Iyer highlighted the importance of two missed catches.
Abhishek Sharma set multiple records with his 141 runs.
Lockie Ferguson's early exit due to injury impacted the match significantly.
Iyer believes they could have defended a score of 230.

Hyderabad, April 13 (NationPress) In a thrilling match that saw a total of 492 runs in two innings, Sunrisers Hyderabad successfully chased down a target of 246 with nine balls remaining, leaving Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer in disbelief. Iyer expressed that the outcome of Match 27 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 might have differed had his team managed to secure two crucial catches.

"It was an incredible target. I couldn't help but laugh at how they chased it down with two overs left," stated Iyer after the game on Saturday.

Abhishek Sharma made history in this match by scoring 141 runs off 55 balls, marking the highest individual score by an Indian player, the fifth-fastest century, and the largest successful chase in the league's history. His performance, along with Travis Head (66 off 37), led Sunrisers Hyderabad to an eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings.

When reflecting on what could have altered the game's result, Iyer suggested that the significant win and its manner of occurrence might not have transpired if his team had capitalized on two missed catches. He also mentioned that Abhishek was somewhat fortunate for the chances that PBKS let slip.

"We could have taken two exceptional catches. He [Abhishek] was a bit lucky as well, even though he played an outstanding innings. Catches win matches, and we fell short there. Our bowling wasn’t up to par, but we need to reassess our strategy. The way he struck the ball and the opening partnership was remarkable. In this situation, I could have managed the over rotation better," Iyer remarked.

The SRH captain also pointed out that Lockie Ferguson's early exit due to hip discomfort significantly affected the match outcome.

"That was a significant loss. He is a player who can deliver instant wickets. Losing him early was a major setback. He consistently bowls at 140, and injuries can occur. Other bowlers are available to secure victories. So there are no excuses," he added.

Iyer stated that they believed a score of 230 was defendable and did not concede they fell short by 10 runs.

"When we discussed it, we thought 230 was a reasonable score. However, with the dew setting in, it made the pitch more favorable. Also, credit should be given. The way they batted was phenomenal. It was one of the finest innings I've witnessed in the IPL," he concluded.