In a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 25, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pulled off a stunning victory against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), winning by five wickets. The match was highlighted by a sensational catch from Kamindu Mendis, which not only dismissed the dangerous Dewald Brevis but also turned the tide in favor of SRH, who now keep their playoff hopes alive.
Kamindu Mendis, an ambidextrous cricketer known for his unique bowling style, took one of the most spectacular catches in IPL history. In the 13th over, with Brevis threatening to take control of the game after scoring 42 runs off just 25 balls, Mendis leaped into action. Brevis, who was making his debut for CSK, attempted a lofted drive off Harshal Patel, but Mendis, positioned at long-off, executed a breathtaking dive, catching the ball with both hands just inches from the ground. This catch has already been hailed as the "Catch of the Tournament" and is expected to be replayed for years to come.
“It was my left hand. When I do fielding I practice both sides and it happened naturally,” Mendis commented on his incredible catch during a post-match interview. His instinctive ability to read the game and react swiftly was evident as he made a full stretch dive, securing the catch and sending Brevis back to the pavilion, reducing CSK to 114/5 at a crucial moment.
Head coach Daniel Vettori praised Mendis for his exceptional effort, stating, “I think it’s just instinct. It’s an innate ability to be able to move, to see the ball and time your diving. It’s probably one of those catches that even a brilliant fielder only has one or two of in their career.” Vettori emphasized the importance of this moment, noting that Brevis was beginning to exert pressure on the SRH bowlers, and his dismissal was pivotal in changing the course of the match.
In the match, SRH's bowling attack was led by Harshal Patel, who claimed four wickets for just 28 runs. The other key bowlers included Pat Cummins with two wickets for 21 runs, and both Mohammed Shami and Jaydev Unadkat, who took two wickets each as well. CSK struggled to build momentum, ultimately being bowled out for a modest total of 154 runs in 19.5 overs.
CSK's innings got off to a disastrous start when Shaik Rasheed was dismissed for a duck on the very first ball, caught at slip by Abhishek Sharma off Shami's bowling. Ayush Mhatre, however, provided some excitement with a blistering 30 runs off 19 balls before falling to Cummins. Despite some efforts from Deepak Hooda, who scored 22 off 21, and Ravindra Jadeja's 21 off 17, the team struggled to recover from early wickets.
After Mendis's catch, CSK's batting collapsed further, managing only 40 runs off the last 43 balls. As the innings progressed, the pressure mounted, and the team fell short of a competitive total. Vettori noted, “Had Brevis stayed in, probably the score would have gotten away on us, and it would have been a difficult chase.”
In response, SRH chased down the target with relative ease, finishing at 155 for 5 in just 18.4 overs. Ishan Kishan led the charge with a solid 44 runs, while Mendis contributed an unbeaten 32 runs, showcasing his all-round abilities. Nitish Reddy also chipped in with a valuable 19 not out, ensuring that SRH crossed the finish line comfortably.
This victory was crucial for SRH as they climbed to eighth place in the IPL standings, while CSK's defeat leaves them in a precarious position, virtually out of the playoff race. Both teams entered the match with only two wins in their previous eight games, making it a must-win clash for survival in the tournament.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, the implications of this match are significant. CSK’s inability to secure a playoff spot after their storied history in the tournament raises questions about their future strategies and player performances. Meanwhile, SRH will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to face the Gujarat Titans in their next match on May 2.
With the excitement of the IPL at its peak, fans will be eagerly anticipating more moments of brilliance like Kamindu Mendis's catch, which not only showcased individual talent but also highlighted the intense competition and unpredictability of the league.
