IPL 2025: SRH vs PBKS Match 27 – Who Said What?

On Saturday, April 12, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) faced off in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Match 27 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. After winning the toss, PBKS decided to bat first on a pitch where 286 had previously been scored.

The PBKS opening got off to a great start. Prabhsimran Singh (42 off 23) and Priyansh Arya (36 off 13) launched an early onslaught. They scored 89 runs for one wicket during the powerplay. The run pace remained constant even after the openers left. Nehal Wadhera scored 27 off 22 balls, while Shreyas Iyer produced a captain’s knock of 82 runs off 36 balls. Every bowler for SRH scored more than 10 runs per over, with Shami (4-0-75-0) recording the second-worst IPL total ever. PBKS ultimately established a challenging goal of 246.

As they launched a full-scale assault, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma most likely didn’t think it was a stiff one. In the powerplay, they each scored 83 runs. Abhishek hammered 141 off 55 balls (14 fours, 10 sixes) while Head struck a half-century (66 off 37). With nine balls left and eight wickets in hand, SRH cruised to the target.

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.

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.

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.

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