The Narendra Modi Stadium bore witness to a spectacular display of power-hitting as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured a commanding 33-run victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 64th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
This emphatic win marks LSG’s third consecutive triumph against the Titans, effectively overturning their initial four-match losing streak in head-to-head encounters.
Having won the toss, GT captain Shubman Gill opted to field, a decision that quickly backfired as LSG’s openers launched an immediate onslaught. Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh set a blistering pace with a 90-run partnership within the first ten overs. Markram’s well-played 36 provided the perfect platform before his dismissal, but the true fireworks were yet to come.
The arrival of Nicholas Pooran at the crease ignited an even greater spectacle. Pooran joined Marsh in a sensational 121-run stand for the second wicket, effortlessly propelling LSG past the 200-run mark. Marsh was the undisputed star, smashing his maiden IPL century, a magnificent 117 off just 64 balls. Not to be outdone, Pooran continued his phenomenal form, registering his fifth half-century of the season (56 off 27 deliveries) and remaining unbeaten. A late cameo from Rishabh Pant (16 off 6 balls) further bolstered the total, as LSG concluded their innings with a colossal 235 runs, punctuated by an unprecedented 17 sixes – their highest in an innings.
In pursuit of the daunting target, the Titans began their chase with aggressive intent. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill quickly amassed 33 runs in the first three overs. By the end of the powerplay, GT stood at 67 for one, but the crucial breakthroughs by LSG bowlers soon followed.
The turning point came with the dismissals of GT’s key batsmen. Avesh Khan accounted for Gill (36) in the eighth over, and Akash Maharaj Singh brilliantly castled Jos Buttler (33) in the tenth. This marked only the second instance this season where all three of Gill, Sudharsan, and Buttler were dismissed for under 50 runs in the same match.
Despite the mounting pressure, GT refused to capitulate. Sherfane Rutherford and Shahrukh Khan forged a vital 90-run partnership, displaying aggressive strokeplay and preventing the required run rate from spiralling out of control. Their resilience silenced doubts about GT’s middle-order strength, showcasing both intent and determination.
However, the partnership’s demise, with Rutherford departing for 38 off 22 balls, triggered a collapse. Will O’Rourke made a strong comeback, first removing Rutherford and then dismissing Rahul Tewatia. Avesh Khan delivered a brilliant 19th over, effectively sealing the victory for LSG. Despite the valiant efforts of Rutherford and Shahrukh Khan, no other GT batter could provide the necessary impetus to chase down the imposing total.
Mitchell Marsh was deservedly named the Player of the Match for his scintillating century, a knock that laid the foundation for LSG’s dominant victory. While GT fought hard, the early removal of their key batsmen and the sheer power-hitting from LSG ultimately proved to be the difference on a memorable night in Ahmedabad.
Scorecard:
Lucknow Super Giants: 235-2, Overs 20, Mitchell Marsh 117, Sai Kishore 1/34
Gujarat Titans: 202-9, Overs 20, Shahrukh Khan 57, William O’Rourke 3/27
