Eshan Malinga delivered a match-winning effort in the IPL 2025 battle between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 23, highlighting his rising star in T20 cricket. He bowled with velocity and effort, finishing with 4 overs, 37 runs, and two crucial wickets. But what truly transformed the game was his amazing over, in which he first executed a direct-hit run-out to dismiss Rajat Patidar and then made a superb reflex catch to send Romario Shepherd back to the pavilion. These back-to-back dismissals disrupted RCB’s momentum following a solid start in their chase of 232. Malinga’s enthusiasm and game understanding in that moment turned the momentum to SRH, putting RCB on the back foot.
Later in the innings, Malinga returned to dismiss Krunal Pandya with a brilliant delivery, tightening SRH’s grip on the match. His ability to perform under duress and make critical breakthroughs was important in limiting RCB to 189 all out in 19.5 overs. Earlier, SRH had achieved a commanding total of 231/6, led to Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 94 off 48 balls. RCB looked promising early on, with Phil Salt hitting 62 and Virat Kohli providing 43, but Malinga’s impact in the middle overs slowed their progress. His precise fielding, fast reflexes, and controlled bowling under duress demonstrated his overall worth to the squad. This performance not only helped SRH secure a 42-run victory, but also established Malinga as an emerging star in the tournament.
