Sunrisers Hyderabad Fall Short Against Gujarat Titans, Exit IPL Playoff Race
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s hopes of reaching the IPL 2025 playoffs were effectively dashed after a 38-run defeat to Gujarat Titans in a high-scoring encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Chasing a formidable target of 225, Sunrisers managed 186 for 6 in their 20 overs, falling short despite a spirited knock by Abhishek Sharma.
Put in to bat, Gujarat Titans made full use of favorable conditions to post an imposing 224 for 6. Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a blazing 76 off 38 deliveries, peppered with stylish strokes and aggressive intent. He was ably supported by Jos Buttler, who added 64 off 37 balls, while Sai Sudharsan chipped in with a vital 48, forming the backbone of Gujarat’s innings.
Jaydev Unadkat was the standout bowler for Hyderabad, claiming 3 for 35 in an otherwise challenging outing for the bowling unit.
In response, Sunrisers faced immediate pressure after the early loss of opener Travis Head for 20. Abhishek Sharma counter-attacked impressively, playing a lone hand with a scintillating 74 off 41 balls, striking four boundaries and clearing the ropes six times. However, the lack of meaningful support from the middle order derailed Hyderabad’s chase.
Ishan Kishan (13) and Heinrich Klaasen (23) failed to convert starts, and once Abhishek fell during a crucial phase, the innings lost momentum. Despite late efforts from Nitish Kumar Reddy (21* off 12) and captain Pat Cummins (19* off 10), the required rate had climbed too high.
Gujarat’s bowlers kept the pressure intact throughout. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj were clinical with two wickets each, while Ishant Sharma and Gerald Coetzee chipped in with one apiece to seal a comprehensive win.
This victory solidifies Gujarat Titans’ position in the top four, while Sunrisers Hyderabad are left to reflect on missed opportunities, now virtually out of the playoff equation.
