Rain-soaked clash with DC knocks Sunrisers Hyderabad out of IPL 2025 playoff race

Pic: IPL/X

The IPL 2025 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals was called off due to persistent rain, dealing a fatal blow to SRH's playoff aspirations. The abandonment meant that Hyderabad are now officially out of the playoff race, while Delhi Capitals face a steep climb, needing to win two of their remaining three matches to stay in contention.

Earlier in the day, Delhi Capitals mounted a spirited recovery after a catastrophic top-order collapse to post 133 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Sent in to bat, DC found themselves in deep trouble early on, crumbling to 29 for 5 within the first 7.1 overs. Leading the charge for Sunrisers was skipper Pat Cummins, who delivered a fiery opening spell, finishing with figures of 3 for 19. The Australian pacer struck with precision, dismantling Delhi's top order with his trademark pace and accuracy.

Complementing Cummins was veteran left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat, who tightened the screws with a miserly spell. Unadkat conceded just 13 runs in his four overs and picked up a crucial wicket, maintaining relentless pressure throughout the powerplay.

In the face of a potential batting debacle, Delhi's innings was steadied by a gritty stand between Tristan Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma. Coming together at a critical juncture, the pair stitched together a 66-run partnership off just 45 balls for the seventh wicket, breathing life back into the innings.

Stubbs played the anchor's role to perfection, remaining unbeaten on 41 and holding firm amid the early carnage. Ashutosh, promoted to No. 8, injected urgency into the innings with a brisk 41 from 26 deliveries. His innings featured two boundaries and three towering sixes, shifting momentum and helping DC inch towards a competitive score.

Although the final total of 133 may not have looked intimidating on paper, it reflected Delhi's resilience under pressure. Their fightback gave them a glimmer of hope on a pitch that aided seam movement and bounce during the early exchanges.

Unfortunately for both sides, weather had the final word. While Delhi still have a mathematical chance to qualify, Sunrisers Hyderabad's campaign has come to an abrupt end, as the rain washed away their last hope of making it to the playoffs.