Lucknow Super Giants vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
Introduction: Lucknow Super Giants vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
The Indian Premier League has always thrived on rivalries. Some go back a decade, others are still taking shape. One of the newest but most fascinating battles is between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Since Lucknow’s debut in 2022, their games against Hyderabad have been packed with storylines — close finishes, dominant batting displays, and the occasional thrashing that leaves fans stunned.
Though only a handful of matches old, this contest already has its share of highlights. Let’s take a walk through the timeline and see how the rivalry has unfolded.
Table of Contents
The Early Edge — Lucknow Dominates (2022–2023)
When Lucknow first met Hyderabad in 2022, it was the new franchise that came out on top. LSG posted a solid total, then strangled SRH with tight bowling. Young pacer Avesh Khan stood out that night, showing how Lucknow’s attack could control a chase.
In 2023, the two teams clashed twice — and both times Lucknow were the better side. Playing at home in Lucknow, they hunted down Hyderabad’s target with steady batting. Later in Hyderabad, LSG repeated the dose, chasing comfortably once again. At this stage, it seemed like SRH simply didn’t have the answers.
The Big Shift — Hyderabad Strikes Back (2024)
Every rivalry has a turning point, and this one came in May 2024. Lucknow set 165 on the board, a total many would call competitive. But what followed was one of the most ruthless chases in IPL history.
Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma opened for SRH and turned the match into a demolition job. Head smashed 89 runs off just 30 balls, while Sharma matched him shot for shot. The chase was done in less than 10 overs — without losing a wicket. Fans couldn’t believe their eyes. This was more than a win; it was a warning that Hyderabad’s top order, once it fired, could be unstoppable.
A High-Scoring Thriller — 2025
By 2025, the rivalry had evened out. When they met in Lucknow, the home team piled up 205 runs, expecting to put Hyderabad under pressure. But SRH responded with composure. Abhishek Sharma once again anchored the chase, and the middle order chipped in to keep the momentum alive. They reached the target with six wickets in hand and a couple of overs to spare.
For Lucknow, this loss stung deeply — not only because of the scoreline but also because it came at a time when every point mattered in their playoff push.
What Defines This Rivalry
- The First Six Overs Matter Most
If Hyderabad’s openers fire in the powerplay, they usually run away with the game. If Lucknow’s bowlers strike early, the balance shifts. - Batting vs. Bowling Philosophy
SRH play fearless cricket, often looking to finish games quickly. LSG rely more on structure — setting targets, controlling run flow, and banking on their bowlers. - Conditions Count
In Hyderabad, the fast outfield and batting-friendly pitch favor aggressive stroke play. In Lucknow, the surfaces can be slower, demanding patience and clever shot selection.
Key Performers
- Travis Head (SRH): His blitz in 2024 is still talked about as one of the IPL’s most explosive innings.
- Abhishek Sharma (SRH): A consistent performer who gives Hyderabad flying starts.
- Nicholas Pooran (LSG): A finisher who can change the game in just a few overs.
- Avesh Khan (LSG): Provided crucial early wickets in their first few encounters.
The Road Ahead
This rivalry is still in its infancy, but it already delivers some of the most entertaining cricket in the IPL. What keeps it exciting is the unpredictability — one year Lucknow look dominant, the next Hyderabad return with firepower.
Going forward, fans can expect more high-scoring clashes, aggressive batting displays, and tactical battles between Lucknow’s disciplined bowlers and Hyderabad’s fearless hitters.
Conclusion
The Lucknow Super Giants vs Sunrisers Hyderabad story shows how quickly rivalries can grow in modern T20 cricket. From Lucknow’s early upper hand to Hyderabad’s thunderous comeback, the narrative has swung back and forth. What remains constant is the drama, the six-hitting, and the thrill of not knowing what will happen next.
Whenever these two teams meet, one thing is guaranteed — fireworks.
About the Author
