The highly anticipated IPL 2025 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Capitals (DC) ended in disappointment as rain washed out the match, leaving both teams with one point each. The contest, held in Hyderabad on May 5, 2025, was critical for SRH, who faced elimination from the playoff race following the abandonment of the game.
Delhi Capitals managed to post a total of 133 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs before the rain interrupted play. The innings saw a shaky start as SRH's bowling attack struck early, sending half of the DC side back to the pavilion for just 29 runs. The early dismissals included notable players such as Karun Nair (0), Faf du Plessis (3), Abhishek Porel (8), KL Rahul (10), and Axar Patel (6), all of whom fell victim to a disciplined SRH bowling performance.
However, a resilient partnership between Tristan Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma salvaged the innings. Both players contributed 41 runs each, helping DC reach a respectable total of 133, which at one point seemed unlikely after their disastrous start. The match was set to be a thrilling chase for SRH, but the weather had other plans.
Despite the ground staff's efforts to prepare the field and several inspections conducted by the umpires, the rain persisted, making conditions unplayable. “We waited as long as we could. Unfortunately, the conditions never improved,” said the match referee in a post-cancellation update. This decision meant that SRH's hopes of a comeback were dashed before they could even take to the field for their innings.
The abandonment of the match means that Sunrisers Hyderabad has officially been eliminated from the playoff race, marking a disappointing season for the franchise. With a record of 4 wins, 7 losses, and 1 no result from 12 matches, SRH finishes their campaign with just 9 points. They had two remaining matches but could only have reached a maximum of 13 points, which would not have been sufficient for qualification.
SRH's exit from the tournament signifies the sixth time they have failed to progress beyond the league stage since their inception in 2013. The team had previously reached the playoffs multiple times, with a notable victory in 2016 under the captaincy of David Warner. However, after reaching the finals last year (2024) and finishing as runners-up, the team's performance this season has been underwhelming.
In contrast, the point awarded to Delhi Capitals keeps their playoff hopes alive. With a total of 13 points, DC now faces a crucial juncture in their campaign, needing at least one win in their remaining league games to have a shot at the top four. The race for the playoffs is tightening, with several teams vying for the coveted spots as the season progresses.
The weather has played a significant role in IPL 2025, influencing the outcomes of crucial matches and adding an element of unpredictability to the tournament. As the league approaches its climax, every match becomes increasingly vital, and teams are feeling the pressure to secure their positions.
As for Sunrisers Hyderabad, the focus now shifts to the future as they reflect on a season filled with missed opportunities and challenges. With the team needing to regroup and reassess, fans will be eager to see how the franchise addresses the issues that led to their early exit this year.
In conclusion, the IPL 2025 season continues to unfold with drama and excitement, and as teams battle for playoff berths, the stakes have never been higher. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest developments in the league as the final matches approach.