Lucknow, May 18: In a high-octane IPL 2025 clash at the Ekana Cricket Stadium (B Ground), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) posted an imposing total of 205/7 in their 20 overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), thanks to dazzling half-centuries from Mitchell Marsh (65 off 39) and Aiden Markram (61 off 38). The explosive batting duo laid the perfect foundation for LSG in a crucial game as both teams push for playoff spots in the business end of the tournament.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, who won the toss and opted to bowl first, found themselves under the pump early on. Mitchell Marsh was at his aggressive best, smashing six fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 166.67, bringing up his fifth fifty of the season. His blazing knock ended at 65, caught by Eshan Malinga off Harsh Dubey in the 11th over after a 115-run opening stand with Markram.
Markram, who had looked in sublime touch throughout the season, played a classy knock to back Marsh’s fireworks. The Proteas star struck four fours and four sixes before falling to Harshal Patel in the 16th over. His ability to rotate strike and capitalize on loose deliveries ensured LSG kept the scoreboard ticking even after Marsh’s departure.
While the top order delivered fireworks, the middle order couldn’t quite capitalize. Captain Rishabh Pant managed just 7 runs before falling to a sharp caught-and-bowled by Eshan Malinga, who ended up with impressive figures of 2/28 in his four overs.
Nicholas Pooran offered a late burst, hammering 45 runs off 26 balls, including six boundaries and a six, before an unfortunate run out ended his stay. The late overs saw a flurry of wickets, including Ayush Badoni (3), Abdul Samad (3), and Shardul Thakur (4 off 1), who were all dismissed in a dramatic 20th over.
Despite the collapse in the final over, Akash Deep’s six off his only ball helped LSG cross the 200-run mark, ending at 205/7. The team would be slightly disappointed to have fallen short of a potential 220+ total after such a solid platform.
SRH’s Bowling Performance:
While Pat Cummins went wicketless, he was economical compared to others, finishing with 0/34 from his four overs. Eshan Malinga was the standout performer with the ball, showing maturity and skill beyond his years. Harsh Dubey and Harshal Patel took a wicket each but were expensive, conceding 44 and 49 runs respectively.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, though expensive with 28 runs in his two overs, made up for it with the wicket of Abdul Samad. Zeeshan Ansari, brought in as an impact player, bowled only two overs and conceded 22 runs before being subbed out.
Match Situation:
With 206 to chase, SRH’s powerful top order, including Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, and Travis Head, will have their task cut out. LSG’s bowling unit, spearheaded by Ravi Bishnoi, Akash Deep, and possibly Impact Player Avesh Khan, will need to be at their clinical best to defend the target.
The match remains delicately poised, with LSG holding a 67% win probability at the innings break. However, given the explosive batting form SRH has displayed this season, fans can expect a gripping chase.
