IPL 2025: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings, Match 27 - Who Said What?

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) clashed in Match 27 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Saturday, April 12. PBKS won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch on which 286 was scored earlier.

PBKS openers started with a bang. Priyansh Arya (36 off 13) and Prabhsimran Singh (42 off 23) attacked right from the outset. The powerplay gave them 89 runs for the loss of one wicket. Even after the openers' departure the run rate was steady. Shreyas Iyer played a captain's knock of 82 runs off 36 balls while Nehal Wadhera scored 27 off 22 balls. All SRH bowlers went over 10 runs per over with Shami (4-0-75-0) registering the second-worst figures in IPL history. In the end, PBKS set a stiff target of 246.

Well, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma probably didn't feel like it was a stiff one as they went on an all-out attack. The duo scored 83 runs in the powerplay. While Head scored a half century (66 off 37) Abhishek scored a thumping 141 off 55 balls (14 fours, 10 sixes). SRH eased to the target with eight wickets in hand and nine balls remaining.

Talking Points

1. Priyansh Arya carries on from where he left off

PBKS opener Arya scored a scintillating hundred (103 off 42) in the previous match against CSK. He continued with his purple patch as he and Prabhsimran gave a rapid start to the team. Arya showed off his strokeplay as he hit Pat Cummins and Mohammed Shami all over the park.

His innings comprised two fours and four sixes, scoring his runs at a strike rate of 276.92. One of his notable sixes came off Cummins' bowling when he pulled the Australian captain emphatically long beyond the midwicket boundary region. His innings helped the side gain momentum which allowed Iyer to utilise later.

Also Read - [WATCH] Priyansh Arya pulls Pat Cummins deep into the stands majestically

2. Shreyas Iyer continues with his own great form

The PBKS skipper has been in great form right from the Champions Trophy 2025. In this match, after the damage done by the openers it was time for him to take over the mantle. He kept the run rate high from his end as he scored a magnificent 82.

Iyer did not spare the SRH bowlers as he sent the ball over the boundary line multiple times. His innings included six fours and six sixes. His partnerships with Wadhera and Maxwell were crucial to take the score over 200. Eventually, Iyer got out in the 18th over with the score reading 206/6. He truly played a captain's knock.

Also Read: Why did Lockie Ferguson leave the field after just 2 balls in PBKS vs SRH?

3. Head-Abhishek show comes back to Uppal

The day finally arrived for SRH fans. There was great expectation of a Head-Abhishek run fest and the wait was over. The duo had the platform set (246-run target) to launch themselves. Both began in earnest and Uppal saw fireworks for the next hour or so. The SRH openers sent the ball flying to every nook and corner as the PBKS bowlers had no clue what to do. Abhishek got a life early on when was out off a no ball from Yash Thakur and it proved fatal for PBKS.

Head scored his half century in 31 balls while Abhishek was much quicker, scoring it in 19 balls. The partnership contributed a massive 171 runs off 75 balls and it made the job of the batters to come much, much easier. This was a night when the duo reminded the other teams that they are back.

Also Read - [WATCH] Abhishek Sharma's heartfelt celebration after scoring 40-ball 100 against PBKS

Who Said What?

Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings Skipper

I think it was a fantastic total to be honest. Still making me laugh that they (SRH) chased it with 2 overs to spare. We could have taken a few catches, but he (Abhishek) was lucky. He was exceptional. In a nutshell we didn't bowl to our expectations, we have to go to the drawing board and make amends. The opening partnership (between Abhishek and Head) was phenomenal, they didn't give us too many opportunities to capitalize. The over rotation could have been better from our side. Ferguson can give you wickets, but that (injuries) happens, it's a part and parcel of the game. These are the learnings for us going forward. The other bowlers could have done the same though. Myself and Wadhera thought 230 was a good total, but I think the dew made it harder for us (during the second innings.) The way they (SRH openers) batted was out of the world, it (Abhishek's knock) was one of the best knock I have seen.

Pat Cummins, Sunrisers Hyderabad Skipper

Amazing. It suits our style and we know we are gonna get. It's a good wicket and the ball pings around here. Any over under 10 you feel like a big win as a bowler. It's kind of crazy that you feel semi-confident chasing that score. Pretty big fan of his (Abhishek) batting. We didn't want to change the recipe. The batting group played quite a bit last year and we are confident of their abilities. They (the fans) are amazing, always waving the flags and great atmosphere.

Abhishek Sharma, Player of the Match

It's not easy for any player to go through that form. Special mention to the team and captain, very simple message to the batters although I was not doing well. Had a talk with Travis and it was a special day for both of us. I never play anything behind the wicket, I was trying a few shots because I wanted to invent a few shots because of the size and the bounce on this wicket. The whole team is waiting for my parents. They are very lucky for the team and Orange Army. We did not talk anything, we just wanted to express and play the natural game. This one is very special and I was thinking that I wanted to break the losing streak, it was very tough as a player and as a youngster, but the mood in the team was very good. Special mention to Yuvi (paaji), I have been talking to him and also thanks to Suryakumar Yadav as well. I have been in touch with him and he has been there for me.