Rishabh Pant grabbed the spotlight as he opened the innings for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) but departed after a modest 21 runs. Despite a strong start from Gujarat Titans (GT), it was Nicholas Pooran’s breathtaking six-hitting spectacle that propelled LSG to a thrilling six-wicket victory in the IPL 2025 clash at Lucknow on Saturday. Aiden Markram also played a pivotal role with a classy knock.
Batting at No. 4 in recent matches, Pant had managed just 19 runs across five games. This time, he partnered with Markram at the top but endured a shaky start. After just five balls, he required attention to his left ankle and survived a close call on six when Jos Buttler dropped a catch off Mohammed Siraj’s bowling. Pant lasted 18 deliveries, hitting a six off Prasidh Krishna before holing out to the deep leg side.
Prasidh had another stroke of bad luck when Arshad Khan dropped Markram at short third, with the South African on 28. Markram capitalized on the reprieve, crafting a swift 31-ball 58. His innings laid the foundation for LSG’s fourth win in six matches, elevating them to joint-top of the IPL 2025 standings. Both LSG and GT have played six matches, while Delhi Capitals sit on eight points after just four games.
LSG have thrashed Gujarat Titans by 6 wickets at the Ekana Stadium! pic.twitter.com/S19dVKnZhr
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) April 12, 2025
Nicholas Pooran was the undisputed star of the show, continuing his red-hot form in IPL 2025. The Trinidadian left-hander dismantled the spinners, hammering Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, and R Sai Kishore for a total of five sixes in just three overs. His fifty came off a mere 23 balls, with his lone boundary before that milestone being a four that barely kissed the turf. Pooran now leads the tournament’s scoring chart with 340 runs at a staggering strike rate of 222-plus.
GT seemed destined for a colossal total, cruising at 120/0 after 12 overs thanks to Shubman Gill (60 off 38) and Sai Sudharsan (56 off 37). However, the momentum shifted dramatically after their departure. LSG’s leg-spinners, Ravi Bishnoi and Digvesh Rathi, applied the brakes, while Shardul Thakur chipped in with crucial wickets. Late fireworks from Shahrukh Khan and Sherfane Rutherford helped GT post a competitive 180, but it wasn’t enough to contain Pooran’s onslaught.
Markram and Pooran ensured LSG’s chase was always under control, despite late wobbles. Ayush Badoni fittingly sealed the victory with a towering six in the final over, sending the Lucknow crowd into raptures. LSG’s dominance continues to shine in IPL 2025, and their pursuit of glory looks unstoppable. For the latest IPL updates and betting insights, visit India Betting.
