SRH vs GT First Innings: Sunrisers Hyderabad Stumble to 152/8 as Mohammed Siraj’s Career-Best Spell Dominates

SRH vs GT First Innings: In a high-stakes clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) posted a modest total of 152/8 in their 20 overs against Gujarat Titans (GT) during Match 19 of IPL 2025. The innings was defined by SRH’s batting struggles and GT’s disciplined bowling, spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj, who claimed his best-ever IPL figures of 4/17 to dismantle the hosts.

Powerplay Woes Set the Tone

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SRH’s innings began disastrously, losing both openers Travis Head (4 off 5 balls) and Abhishek Sharma (5 off 7 balls) inside the powerplay to Siraj’s lethal swing bowling. Head, who had been a key aggressor in SRH’s earlier matches, edged a seaming delivery to the keeper, while Sharma’s attempted loft to mid-on found Rahul Tewatia’s safe hands. By the end of the powerplay, SRH were reeling at 45/3, with Ishan Kishan (17 off 14) also falling to a Prasidh Krishna delivery that exploited the pitch’s variable bounce.

The early collapses highlighted SRH’s recurring issue this season: a lack of stability at the top. Their powerplay economy rate of 10.0 and 10 wickets lost in this phase—the worst among all teams—continued to haunt them.

Middle-Order Flickers Before Fizzling Out

The middle overs saw brief resistance from Nitish Kumar Reddy (31 off 34) and Heinrich Klaasen (27 off 19), who stitched a 45-run partnership. Klaasen, known for his explosive hitting, targeted Sai Kishore’s spin, smashing two sixes before holing out to deep mid-wicket off Rashid Khan’s googly. Reddy, meanwhile, anchored the innings but struggled to accelerate, eventually falling to Prasidh Krishna’s slower ball, caught at deep backward square leg.

The dismissal of Kamindu Mendis (1 off 5) in the 17th over further dented SRH’s hopes, leaving them at 108/6. Youngster Aniket Verma (18 off 14) provided a late spark with boundaries off Krishna and Ishant Sharma, but his LBW dismissal to Siraj in the 19th over epitomized SRH’s inability to sustain momentum.

SRH vs GT Playing 11, Toss Update and Match Preview

Cummins’ Cameo Salvages Respectability

Captain Pat Cummins (22* off 9 balls) played a blistering cameo in the death overs, hammering 17 runs off Ishant Sharma’s final over. His six over deep mid-wicket and back-to-back fours showcased his utility as a lower-order hitter, pushing SRH past 150—a total that seemed improbable at 135/8 in the 19th over. Mohammed Shami (6* off 2) also chipped in with a last-ball boundary, but the damage had already been done.

SRH’s total of 152/8 marked their second-lowest first-innings score since 2024 and highlighted their batting frailties. Only one 50+ partnership was recorded, and their death-over economy rate of 16.89—the worst this season—was exposed again.

Mohammed Siraj: The Bowling Maestro

Siraj’s spell was the standout performance. His 4/17 included the wickets of Head, Sharma, Aniket Verma, and Simarjeet Singh, with his searing yorkers and reverse swing leaving SRH batters clueless. Post-match, Siraj credited his success to a refreshed mindset and the reintroduction of saliva on the ball, which aided swing: “Body is fresh, so I’m enjoying my bowling. The saliva rule helps bowlers with lbw and bowled chances”.

Supporting acts from Prasidh Krishna (2/25) and Sai Kishore (2/24) tightened the screws. Kishore’s economical spin in the middle overs stifled SRH’s scoring, while Krishna’s variations in pace proved effective on a two-paced track.

Pitch and Conditions: A Mixed Bag

The Hyderabad pitch, typically a batting paradise with an average first-innings score of 213 since IPL 2024, behaved unpredictably. While some balls skidded onto the bat, others gripped for spinners, creating a challenge for batters. Dew, a factor in night games, was minimal, allowing GT’s bowlers to maintain control.

Post-Innings Analysis: Can SRH Defend 152?

SRH’s total appears subpar, but their bowling attack—led by Cummins and Shami—will rely on early breakthroughs. GT’s chase, however, looks favourable with in-form batters like Sai Sudharsan (two fifties this season) and Jos Buttler (73* in the previous match) poised to capitalize.

Key Stat: SRH have lost all three matches this season when batting first, underscoring their reliance on chasing.

Conclusion

Mohammed Siraj’s heroics and SRH’s batting implosion defined the first innings. While Cummins’ late surge offered hope, GT enter the chase as favorites. For SRH, this match is a critical test of their resilience—can their bowlers defy the odds, or will GT’s well-oiled unit seal a third consecutive win? The answer lies in the second innings, but one thing is certain: Hyderabad’s batting woes demand urgent addressing if they are to revive their IPL 2025 campaign.

Final Score: Sunrisers Hyderabad – 152/8 (20 overs)
Top Performers: Pat Cummins (22* off 9), Mohammed Siraj (4/17).

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