Markram and Pooran Guide Lucknow Past Gujarat
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) delivered an impressive performance to halt the Gujarat Titans' (GT) undefeated start to the 2025 Indian Premier League season. In a compelling contest between two strong top-order batting units, LSG successfully chased down a challenging target, thanks to significant contributions from Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran, securing a notable six-wicket victory at the Ekana Stadium.
Titans Falter
After being put into bat, Gujarat Titans appeared set for a substantial total following an excellent 120-run opening partnership between captain Shubman Gill (60) and B Sai Sudharsan (56). Both openers registered well-compiled half-centuries. However, their dismissals in successive overs triggered a significant slowdown. LSG's bowlers, particularly spinners Ravi Bishnoi (2/36) and Digvesh Rathi, applied pressure effectively on the black-soil pitch. Coupled with Shardul Thakur's effective death bowling (2/24), GT managed only 60 runs while losing six wickets in the final eight overs, finishing on 180 for 6 – a total perhaps lower than initially anticipated.
Markram and Pant Provide Solid Start
In pursuit of 181, LSG experimented with Rishabh Pant opening the batting alongside Aiden Markram, despite Mitchell Marsh's absence. Markram was particularly fluent, dominating the powerplay as LSG reached 61 without loss after six overs. While Pant contributed 21 before falling to Prasidh Krishna, Markram continued his aggressive innings, reaching a fine half-century off just 26 balls and eventually scoring 58 off 31 deliveries.
Pooran's Power-Hitting
Following Markram's dismissal, Nicholas Pooran took centre stage and effectively sealed the match for LSG. He unleashed a barrage of powerful hits, particularly targeting the spinners, and raced to 61 runs off only 34 balls, an innings decorated with seven sixes – further cementing his position as the leading six-hitter in the tournament so far. His aggressive approach significantly reduced the required run rate, putting LSG firmly in control.
Lucknow End Gujarat's Unbeaten Run
Although Pooran fell towards the end of the chase, the equation was well within LSG's grasp. Impact Player Ayush Badoni helped complete the formalities as Lucknow reached the target with three balls remaining. This victory ended Gujarat Titans' perfect start to the season it also pushed LSG up to third place on the points table.
