Hardik Pandya’s five-wicket haul goes in vain as Lucknow Super Giants defend 203, led by disciplined bowling and solid knocks from Marsh and Markram.
Lucknow, April 5: Lucknow Super Giants held their nerve in a high-scoring contest to defeat five-time champions Mumbai Indians by 12 runs in an IPL 2025 clash at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Chasing a challenging 203-run target, MI faltered early, losing Will Jacks (5) and Ryan Rickelton (10) within the first 10 balls. Despite a valiant fightback from Suryakumar Yadav, who scored 67 off 43 balls, and Naman Dhir’s aggressive 46 off 24, the visitors were restricted to 191/5.
With 22 needed off the final over, Avesh Khan showed nerves of steel, conceding only 9 runs despite being hit for a six off his first delivery. His tight finish sealed the win for LSG.
Tilak Varma (25 off 23) was retired out in the penultimate over in a strategic move, but the move didn’t pay off as MI fell short.
🔥 Bowling Brilliance from LSG:
- Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, and Digvesh Rathi picked up a wicket each.
- Digvesh Rathi’s economical spell (1/21 in 4 overs) proved crucial in the middle overs.
🔁 Pandya’s 5-for Goes in Vain
Earlier, MI captain Hardik Pandya delivered a stunning spell, grabbing 5 wickets for 36 runs, including key scalps like Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant. But LSG’s powerful batting display had already done enough.
Mitchell Marsh starred with a blistering 60 off 31 balls, sharing a 76-run opening stand with Aiden Markram, who added a steady 53 off 38 balls. Ayush Badoni (30) and David Miller (27) provided valuable late-innings cameos.
📝 Match Summary:
Lucknow Super Giants – 203/8
- Mitchell Marsh 60 (31), Aiden Markram 53 (38)
- Hardik Pandya 5/36
Mumbai Indians – 191/5
- Suryakumar Yadav 67 (43), Naman Dhir 46 (24)
- Digvesh Rathi 1/21
With this win, LSG continue their solid start to the season, while MI’s inconsistency raises questions ahead of their next clash.