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On April 12, 2025, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) faced off against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 26 of IPL 2025 at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. In a gripping encounter, LSG chased down 181 to win by 6 wickets with three balls to spare, snapping GT’s four-match winning streak. Here’s a recap of the main events and standout performances that lit up this clash.
Toss and Line-Ups
LSG captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and chose to bowl, eyeing early wickets on a chase-friendly pitch. LSG missed Mitchell Marsh (replaced by Himmat Singh), while GT swapped Kulwant Khejroliya for Washington Sundar, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle.
GT’s Innings: Strong Start, Late Stumble
GT openers Shubman Gill (60 off 38) and Sai Sudharsan (56 off 37) blazed to a 120-run stand in 12 overs—the season’s highest opening partnership. Their aggressive strokes punished LSG’s bowlers, with Akash Deep and Avesh Khan taking early punishment.The tide turned when Avesh Khan dismissed Gill, followed by Ravi Bishnoi’s double blow in the 14th over, removing Sudharsan and Sundar (2). Shardul Thakur struck twice late, limiting GT to 180/6. From 120/0, GT added just 60 runs in their last 48 balls, thanks to LSG’s disciplined bowling.
LSG’s Chase: Pooran and Markram Shine
Chasing 181, LSG sent Rishabh Pant (21 off 18) to open with Aiden Markram. Pant fell to Prasidh Krishna, but LSG reached 61/0 in the powerplay. Nicholas Pooran then unleashed a brutal 61 off 34 balls, smashing three sixes off Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore. Aiden Markram’s composed 58 off 31 balls, surviving two dropped catches, kept LSG on track.Rashid Khan and Krishna removed Pooran and Markram, leaving LSG at 155/3. With 25 needed off four overs, Ayush Badoni (28* off 20) calmly guided LSG to 186/4 in 19.3 overs, sealing a famous win.
Key Moments
Gill-Sudharsan’s Blitz: GT’s 120-run stand set a daunting platform.Bishnoi’s Twin Strikes: Ravi Bishnoi’s 14th-over wickets shifted momentum.Pooran’s Six-Fest: Pooran’s three sixes off Sai Kishore tilted the chase.Markram’s Lifeline: Dropped at 28, Markram made GT pay.Badoni’s Finish: Ayush Badoni’s cool-headed knock clinched the game.
Top Performers
Nicholas Pooran (LSG): His 61 off 34 earned MVP honors, dominating with power and precision.Aiden Markram (LSG): Player of the Match for his 58 off 31, anchoring the chase.Shubman Gill (GT): Scored a classy 60 off 38, but couldn’t finish big.Ravi Bishnoi (LSG): Took 2 key wickets, derailing GT’s middle order.Sai Sudharsan (GT): His 56 off 37 powered GT’s early charge.
What’s Next?
LSG’s third straight win lifted them to third in the IPL 2025 standings, while GT slipped to second. This victory boosts LSG’s playoff hopes, while GT will look to regroup.
Final Take
LSG vs GT was a thriller, with Pooran and Markram’s fireworks and Bishnoi’s breakthroughs stealing the show. As IPL 2025 heats up, LSG’s momentum makes them a team to watch.
