Lucknow Super Giants Secure a Commanding 5-Wicket Win Over Sunrisers Hyderabad
In a high-octane IPL 2025 clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) stunned Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 5 wickets, successfully chasing a target of 150 runs.
The victory was built on Shardul Thakur’s sensational three-wicket haul, which dismantled SRH’s top order, and Nicholas Pooran’s aggressive unbeaten knock, which sealed the win with ease. LSG’s all-round performance exposed SRH’s batting fragility and inconsistent bowling.
Shardul Thakur’s Early Strikes Rattle SRH’s Batting Line-Up
After winning the toss, LSG skipper KL Rahul elected to bowl first—a decision that proved effective as Shardul Thakur wreaked havoc in the powerplay.
Thakur, known for his sharp swing and deceptive variations, struck in his very first over, dismissing Abhishek Sharma (12). He soon followed it up by removing Rahul Tripathi (5), putting SRH on the back foot.
Shardul Thakur’s Bowling Figures:
4 overs
3 wickets for 21 runs
Economy: 5.25
His consistent line and length, combined with clever changes in pace, made scoring difficult for SRH’s batters.
SRH’s Inconsistent Batting Effort Results in a Modest Total
Despite the early jolts, Aiden Markram (34 off 28) and Heinrich Klaasen (30 off 20) tried to stabilize the innings. The duo put on a brief partnership, playing with controlled aggression to revive SRH’s innings.
However, LSG’s disciplined bowling attack prevented SRH from building any substantial partnerships. The middle order faltered under pressure, and their scoring rate dropped significantly.
Key Batting Contributions for SRH:
Aiden Markram: 34 (28)
Heinrich Klaasen: 30 (20)
Abdul Samad: 22* (15)
A few late blows from Abdul Samad helped SRH post a below-par total of 149/7 in 20 overs.
LSG’s Controlled Chase Led by Rahul and De Kock
Chasing a target of 150, LSG’s openers KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock started cautiously but steadily. The duo stitched together a 47-run opening partnership before De Kock (29 off 22) was dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Despite losing Deepak Hooda (8) and Ayush Badoni (10) cheaply, LSG remained on course thanks to KL Rahul’s calm anchoring.
Nicholas Pooran’s Power-Packed Finish Seals the Win
With the required run rate climbing, Nicholas Pooran took charge. The Caribbean power-hitter played an aggressive knock, dismantling SRH’s bowling attack with powerful strokes.
Pooran’s unbeaten innings of 43 off 24 balls included:
4 boundaries
2 massive sixes
Strike rate: 179.1
His explosive finish, which featured a towering six over deep mid-wicket, guided LSG to victory with 11 balls to spare.
LSG’s Bowlers Shine with Clinical Performances
Apart from Shardul Thakur’s heroics, LSG’s bowlers displayed remarkable discipline throughout the innings.
Ravi Bishnoi’s sharp leg-spin caused problems for the SRH middle order.
Krunal Pandya’s left-arm spin kept the scoring rate in check.
Mohsin Khan’s accuracy at the death prevented any late surge from SRH’s lower order.
LSG Bowling Figures:
Shardul Thakur: 4-0-21-3
Ravi Bishnoi: 4-0-27-1
Krunal Pandya: 4-0-23-1
Mohsin Khan: 4-0-30-2
The combined effort from the bowlers ensured SRH couldn’t put up a competitive total.
Match Summary and Key Stats
Match: SRH vs LSG, IPL 2025
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Toss: LSG elected to bowl
SRH Total: 149/7 (20 overs)
LSG Total: 150/5 (18.1 overs)
Result: LSG won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Shardul Thakur (3/21)
Post-Match Reactions
Shardul Thakur, the Player of the Match, credited his success to the team’s bowling plans.
“The pitch offered some swing early on, and I just focused on hitting the right areas. I’m glad I could contribute to the team’s win.”
Nicholas Pooran, whose blistering finish sealed the chase, praised the bowlers’ efforts.
“The bowlers did a brilliant job of restricting them. My role was to finish strong, and I’m happy I delivered.”
Key Takeaways from the Match
Shardul Thakur’s match-winning spell: His three wickets in the powerplay disrupted SRH’s top order.
Pooran’s finishing brilliance: His quickfire 43* ensured LSG chased the target with ease.
SRH’s batting struggles: Despite a decent start, SRH failed to capitalize and posted a below-par total.
LSG’s bowling depth: Their bowling attack was clinical, preventing SRH from gaining momentum.
: LSG’s Clinical Win Boosts Their IPL 2025 Campaign
Lucknow Super Giants’ convincing victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad showcased their bowling strength and finishing power. Shardul Thakur’s early breakthroughs and Nicholas Pooran’s explosive batting were the highlights of the game.
Leave a Reply