Rain Ends Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Playoff Hopes in Heartbreaking Washout Against Delhi Capitals
In a dramatic and ultimately heartbreaking turn of events, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) saw their hopes of qualifying for the IPL 2025 playoffs washed away as relentless rain forced an abandonment of their crucial match against Delhi Capitals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Monday.
Match 55 of the tournament saw Delhi set a modest target of 134 runs, but SRH were denied the opportunity to chase after persistent showers halted play. With each side sharing a point, the outcome proved fatal for Hyderabad’s playoff aspirations. They now join Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals as the third team officially eliminated from this year’s playoff race.
Cummins’ Brilliance Overshadowed by Rain
The result was particularly bitter for SRH skipper Pat Cummins, who had earlier delivered a standout performance with the ball. Winning the toss and choosing to field, Cummins struck with the very first delivery of the match — a superb seam-up ball that removed Karun Nair and set the tone for a fiery spell.
The Australian fast bowler then out-thought Faf du Plessis, adjusting his length smartly to trap the veteran batter in a mistimed shot, before claiming Abishek Porel with a delivery that held up on the pitch. Cummins finished with exceptional figures of 3 for 19, and his on-field leadership was central to dismantling Delhi’s top order.
His presence was further felt when he took a brilliant backpedalling one-handed catch at mid-off to dismiss Axar Patel, off a deceptive slower ball from Harshal Patel. The intensity continued as Jaydev Unadkat found movement to remove K.L. Rahul, with Ishan Kishan collecting yet another sharp catch behind the stumps.
Historic Wicketkeeping Feat
Ishan Kishan, standing in as wicketkeeper for Heinrich Klaasen, made IPL history by catching each of the first four wickets — the first time in the tournament’s history that the top four batters of a team were all caught by the wicketkeeper.
Despite Delhi’s collapse to 29 for 5, a steady 33-run stand between Tristan Stubbs and debutant Vipraj Nigam helped them regain some balance, though a bizarre run-out cut their recovery short.
Ashutosh Sharma’s Impact Knock
The standout with the bat for Delhi was Ashutosh Sharma, the Impact Player brought in for Porel. Displaying intent and flair, Sharma struck a quick 41 off 28 balls, including a pair of towering sixes off Zeeshan Ansari, helping Delhi post a defendable total of 133 for 7 in 20 overs.
Rain Has the Final Word
However, SRH never got the chance to reply. What began as a light drizzle turned into a persistent downpour, soaking the outfield and rendering conditions unplayable. Despite determined efforts by the ground staff using super-soppers, the umpires were forced to call off the game, officially ending SRH’s campaign.
Brief Scores:
Delhi Capitals: 133/7 in 20 overs (Ashutosh Sharma 41, Tristan Stubbs 41; Pat Cummins 3-19, Jaydev Unadkat 1-13)
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Did not bat
Match Result: Match abandoned due to rain; both teams share a point
With this result, Delhi Capitals remain mathematically in contention for the playoffs, while Sunrisers Hyderabad’s season ends in disappointment — their fate sealed not by performance, but by the forces of nature.
