In a dazzling display of power hitting, Nicholas Pooran left spectators and teammates in awe during the Indian Premier League clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). LSG clinched a convincing five-wicket victory, chasing down a target of 191 with 3.5 overs to spare, thanks in large part to Pooran’s explosive innings.
From the non-striker’s end, Mitchell Marsh had a front-row seat to Pooran’s onslaught. The Australian all-rounder, who himself contributed a solid 52 off 31 balls, was full of praise for his West Indian teammate. “The only word I have for it is ‘fascinating’. I’ve played against Nicky for a long time, and usually I’ve been on the receiving end of such innings,” Marsh remarked during the post-match press conference in Hyderabad.
The duo stitched together a formidable 116-run partnership for the second wicket. Pooran’s knock was a breathtaking 70 off just 26 balls, embellished with 6 sixes and 6 fours. His dismissal ended the partnership, but not before LSG had firmly taken control of the chase.
Marsh expressed his admiration for Pooran not just as a player but also as a teammate. “Being on the same team, I feel a great connection with him as a bloke and as someone who I’m going to hopefully bat with a lot,” he added.
Both players had previously scored half-centuries in LSG’s season opener against Delhi Capitals, though that match ended in a narrow defeat. Reflecting on their latest performance, Marsh noted, “There wasn’t much chat, to be honest. When someone’s in the zone like he was, you just try to build a partnership and keep going. He was almost unstoppable tonight.”
Marsh also touched on the team’s strategy, emphasizing the importance of execution in the IPL. “No matter who you play, you need to execute well across 40 overs to win in the IPL. We felt chasing was the right approach on this pitch, and it worked out well for us.”
Despite Pooran’s heroics, it was LSG’s all-rounder Shardul Thakur who was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his stellar bowling performance, taking four crucial wickets. Marsh was quick to commend Thakur’s efforts, saying, “Shardul was outstanding. He set the tone right away and showed his experience, especially when Travis and Abhishek were putting us under pressure. It was a well-rounded performance from us.”
Marsh also praised the bowling unit’s overall performance, acknowledging the evolution of the game. “I’m really proud of how our bowling unit stepped up today. We executed our plans well. Five years ago, if a team scored 190, you wouldn’t say you bowled brilliantly. But that’s how the game has evolved. I do hope we see a 300-run total in the IPL this season – just not against us,” he concluded with a smile.