LSG vs GT Highlights: In a high-octane clash at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) outclassed the Gujarat Titans (GT) by six wickets in Match 26 of the IPL 2025. The game, played on April 12, 2025, was a masterclass in chasing under pressure, with LSG overhauling GT’s 180/6 with three balls to spare. The victory propelled LSG to third place in the points table, while GT slipped to second after their four-match winning streak was snapped.
Gujarat Titans’ Strong Start Falters in Middle Overs
Opting to bat first, GT’s openers, skipper Shubman Gill (60 off 38) and Sai Sudharsan (56 off 37), dominated the powerplay with a 120-run partnership. Gill, in sublime touch, struck six boundaries and a six, while Sudharsan notched his fourth half-century of the season, capitalizing on LSG’s wayward bowling early on. The duo’s flawless strokeplay propelled GT to 54/0 in six overs, with Sudharsan becoming the first batter in IPL 2025 to cross 300 runs.
However, LSG’s bowlers staged a remarkable comeback. Avesh Khan broke the partnership by dismissing Gill in the 13th over, triggering a collapse. Ravi Bishnoi (2/36) then removed Sudharsan and Washington Sundar in quick succession, while Shardul Thakur (2/34) struck twice in the final over, including a near hat-trick. GT managed just 60 runs in their last eight overs, collapsing from 120/0 to 180/6. Jos Buttler (16) and Sherfane Rutherford (22) tried to stabilize, but LSG’s disciplined death bowling stifled their momentum.
LSG’s Chase: Markram and Pooran Steal the Show
Chasing 181, LSG faced an early setback with Mitchell Marsh unavailable due to his daughter’s illness. Captain Rishabh Pant (21 off 18) promoted himself to open alongside Aiden Markram, a decision that paid dividends. The duo raced to 61/0 in the powerplay, with Markram’s elegant drives and Pant’s inventive strokeplay setting the tone.
The game’s turning point came when Prasidh Krishna (2/26) dismissed Pant in the seventh over. However, Nicholas Pooran (61 off 34) joined Markram (58 off 31) to unleash a brutal assault on GT’s spinners. Pooran, wearing the Orange Cap, hammered seven sixes, including three off Sai Kishore in a 24-run over. Markram, anchoring the innings, reached his fifty in 26 balls with nine boundaries and a six. Their 58-run partnership off 29 balls left GT scrambling for answers.
Despite losing Pooran and David Miller (7 off 11) late in the chase, Ayush Badoni (28* off 20) held his nerve. With six needed off six balls, Badoni smashed a boundary and a six off Kishore to seal the win in the 19.3rd over, sparking jubilation in the LSG camp.
Key Performances and Tactical Moves
- Aiden Markram’s Anchored Aggression: Markram’s 58 off 31 blended classical strokeplay with calculated risks, earning him the Player of the Match. His partnerships with Pant and Pooran ensured LSG stayed ahead of the required rate.
- Nicholas Pooran’s Power-Hitting: Pooran’s 61 marked his fourth fifty of the season, solidifying his reputation as LSG’s finisher. His strike rate of 179.41 and dominance over Rashid Khan (87 runs off 72 balls in T20s) were pivotal.
- GT’s Bowling Struggles: Despite Prasidh Krishna’s breakthroughs, GT’s spinners faltered. Rashid Khan (1/35) and Sai Kishore (0/35 in 1.3 overs) leaked runs, while Washington Sundar (1/28) provided brief respite.
- LSG’s Bowling Resurgence: Bishnoi and Thakur’s middle-over strikes, coupled with Avesh Khan’s disciplined death bowling, restricted GT to a subpar total.
Impact Substitutions and Fielding Lapses
GT introduced Prasidh Krishna as their Impact Player, replacing Sherfane Rutherford, but his efforts weren’t enough to stem the flow of runs. LSG, meanwhile, subbed in Ayush Badoni during the chase, a move that proved decisive.
Fielding errors haunted both teams. LSG dropped Sudharsan early, while GT’s Jos Buttler fumbled a run-out chance of Miller. Pant also survived an injury scare after being struck on the knee but continued batting.
Post-Match Reactions and Standings
LSG skipper Rishabh Pant praised his team’s resilience: “Losing Marsh was a blow, but the way Markram and Pooran batted was exceptional. Badoni’s finish was icing on the cake”. GT’s Shubman Gill rued the middle-order collapse: “We lost momentum after the 12th over. Need to address our death batting”.
With this win, LSG (3 consecutive wins) tightened their playoff prospects, while GT will regroup ahead of their next fixture. Delhi Capitals now lead the points table, with GT and LSG in hot pursuit.
Conclusion: A Night of Power-Hitting and Tactical Brilliance
The LSG vs GT clash epitomized the thrill of T20 cricket. From Gill-Sudharsan’s fireworks to Pooran’s pyrotechnics, the match had it all. LSG’s clinical chase underscored their depth, while GT’s bowlers will seek redemption in upcoming games. As the IPL 2025 season intensifies, both teams remain strong contenders for the title.
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