Pat Cummins Leads Sunrisers to Landmark Victory, CSK’s Playoff Hopes Crushed

Key Points

• Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Chennai Super Kings by 5 wickets, clinching their first-ever IPL victory at Chepauk.
• Pat Cummins becomes the first SRH captain to win against CSK in Chennai.
• CSK’s playoff hopes are virtually over after their seventh loss in nine matches; they sit last on the table.
• Harshal Patel starred with a four-wicket haul, while Kamindu Mendis delivered a match-winning all-round performance.
• Dewald Brevis impressed on CSK debut with a quickfire 42, but SRH’s balanced attack proved too strong.
• SRH now rise to 8th with 6 points, keeping slim playoff hopes alive.

New Delhi: Sunrisers Hyderabad scripted history on Friday night, defeating Chennai Super Kings by five wickets in IPL 2025’s 43rd match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. This landmark win marked SRH’s first-ever triumph over CSK at the iconic Chepauk, breaking a five-match losing streak at the venue and propelling the Pat Cummins-led side to 8th in the points table.

Match Recap: CSK’s Batting Falters, SRH Bowlers Dominate

Opting to bowl first, Cummins’ decision paid immediate dividends. Mohammed Shami struck on the opening ball, and Harshal Patel delivered a superb spell, claiming 4 wickets for 28 runs, including the crucial scalps of Dewald Brevis (42 off 25) and MS Dhoni (6), as CSK were bundled out for a modest 154 in 19.5 overs. Jaydev Unadkat and Cummins himself chipped in with two wickets each, while Kamindu Mendis and Shami took one apiece.

CSK’s promising start, highlighted by 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre’s brisk 30 and Brevis’ explosive debut, fizzled out as wickets fell at regular intervals. Kamindu Mendis produced a moment of magic in the field, sprinting and diving to remove Brevis with what many are calling the catch of the season.

SRH’s Chase: Early Jitters, Mendis and Reddy Seal the Deal

Hyderabad’s chase began shakily with Abhishek Sharma departing for a duck, but Ishan Kishan (44 off 34) and Travis Head (19) steadied the innings. The middle order wobbled again as Noor Ahmad struck twice, but Kamindu Mendis (32* off 22) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (19*) combined for an unbeaten 49-run partnership, guiding SRH home with eight balls to spare.

Historic Night for Cummins, Heartbreak for Dhoni

Pat Cummins etched his name in the record books as the first SRH captain to win an IPL match against CSK at Chepauk. For CSK, the loss was especially bitter as it coincided with MS Dhoni’s 400th T20 appearance-a milestone overshadowed by defeat and growing questions about the team’s direction.

This was CSK’s fourth consecutive home defeat, a rarity at their fortress, and their seventh loss in nine games this season. With just four points, Chennai now languish at the bottom of the table, all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

Standout Performers

• Harshal Patel (SRH): 4/28, dismantling CSK’s batting and claiming his second four-wicket haul of the season.
• Kamindu Mendis (SRH): 32* (22), 1/26 (3), and a spectacular catch-instrumental with bat, ball, and in the field.
• Ishan Kishan (SRH): Anchored the chase with a vital 44.
• Dewald Brevis (CSK): Top-scored on debut with 42 off 25, showing promise for the future.

Points Table Impact & Playoff Scenarios

The win lifts Sunrisers Hyderabad to 8th place with 6 points from 9 matches, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive if they can win big in their remaining fixtures. For CSK, with only two wins from nine, their playoff path is virtually closed barring a miracle.

“It was a night of firsts for SRH, and a night of heartbreak for the Chepauk faithful as CSK, despite promising sparks from young talent, couldn’t post a challenging total. Pat Cummins’ decision to bowl first paid off in style as his bowlers, led by Harshal Patel, kept CSK to a modest 154.”

Summary Table: Match at a Glance

SRH’s historic win at Chepauk not only rewrote their IPL record books but also signaled the end of an era for CSK’s home dominance. With playoff hopes revived for Hyderabad and heartbreak for Chennai, IPL 2025 continues to deliver dramatic twists.