In a riveting encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Lucknow Super Giants clinched a commanding five-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League 2025. The match, led by captain Rishabh Pant, showcased stellar performances from Shardul Thakur and Nicholas Pooran, propelling LSG to their first win of the season.
Opting to bowl first, LSG’s strategy paid off early as Shardul Thakur unleashed a sensational spell, dismantling the SRH batting lineup. The experienced pacer struck in the third over, dismissing Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan off consecutive deliveries. Kishan, who had scored a century in the previous game, was out for a golden duck, putting SRH on the back foot from the outset.
Despite a valiant effort from Travis Head, who smashed a quickfire 47 off 28 balls, Thakur’s relentless bowling kept SRH in check. He later returned to claim the wickets of Abhinav Manohar and Mohammed Shami, finishing with impressive figures of 4/34 in his four overs. LSG’s young bowlers, Prince Yadav and Digvesh Rathi, also contributed significantly, with Yadav dismissing Head and Rathi removing Aniket Verma.
SRH skipper Pat Cummins provided a late flourish with an 18-run cameo off just four balls, but LSG’s disciplined bowling ensured SRH finished with a total of 190 runs.
Chasing 191, LSG had a shaky start with Aiden Markram falling early to Mohammed Shami. However, the innings was transformed by the explosive batting of Nicholas Pooran. The left-hander unleashed a relentless assault, smashing seven fours and six towering sixes in a breathtaking 26-ball 70. Mitchell Marsh provided solid support with a 31-ball 52, while Rishabh Pant’s 15 off 15 balls kept LSG in control.
Despite Cummins dismissing Pooran and Harshal Patel removing Pant, David Miller‘s unbeaten 13 and Abdul Samad‘s 22 ensured LSG crossed the finish line with 23 balls to spare.
LSG will look to carry this momentum into their next match against Punjab Kings on Tuesday at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.