Lucknow, Apr 12 (UNI) Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram led from the front as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) overhauled Gujarat Titans' (GT) total of 180 to clinch a comprehensive six-wicket win
in the 26th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Ekana Stadium here on Saturday.
Chasing 181 for victory after electing to bowl first, LSG rode on Markram’s blistering 58 off 31 balls and a power-packed 61 from Pooran off just 34 deliveries. The duo stitched a crucial 58-run partnership that steadied the chase after the early departure of captain Rishabh Pant (21). Ayush Badoni (28* off 20 balls) provided the finishing touches as the hosts reached 186/4 in 19.3 overs.
Earlier, GT’s innings was anchored by a fluent 60 off 38 balls from skipper Shubman Gill and a steady 56 from Sai Sudharsan. The pair put up a solid 120-run stand for the first wicket, but GT's momentum dipped after their dismissals. LSG bowlers struck at regular intervals, with Ravi Bishnoi (2/36) and Shardul Thakur (2/34) halting GT’s charge.
Despite a late cameo from Shahrukh Khan (11 not out) and Rashid Khan (4 not out), GT were restricted to 180/6 in their 20 overs. Prasidh Krishna impressed with figures of 2/26, while Bishnoi’s twin strikes in the middle overs proved decisive.
In reply, LSG began aggressively, notching up 61 runs in the Powerplay. Markram’s strokeplay set the tone before Pooran unleashed his fury, smashing seven sixes to keep the asking rate in check. Even as GT’s bowlers, including Mohammed Siraj (0/50) and Rashid Khan (1/35), tried to apply pressure, LSG maintained their composure.
The match ended with Badoni hitting the winning runs in the penultimate over, helping LSG register their fourth win of the season.
Brief Scores:
GT 180/6 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 60, Sai Sudharsan 56; Ravi Bishnoi 2/36, Shardul Thakur 2/34)
LSG 186/4 in 19.3 overs (Nicholas Pooran 61, Aiden Markram 58; Prasidh Krishna 2/26)
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