Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) delivered a commanding performance to defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 5 wickets in their IPL 2025 clash on Thursday. Despite playing at home, SRH’s batting lineup faltered on a favorable pitch, allowing LSG to chase the modest total with ease.
The match was highlighted by Shardul Thakur’s sensational bowling spell, which dismantled SRH’s top order, and Nicholas Pooran’s explosive finish, which ensured LSG chased down the target with ease. This victory marked a significant away win for LSG, breaching SRH’s stronghold.
Shardul Thakur Dismantles SRH with Early Strikes
After winning the toss, LSG captain KL Rahul opted to bowl first, banking on his bowlers to exploit the fresh pitch. The decision paid off as Shardul Thakur spearheaded the attack with remarkable accuracy and swing.
Thakur’s early breakthroughs put SRH on the back foot, removing Abhishek Sharma (12) and Rahul Tripathi (5) in quick succession. His sharp line and ability to move the ball both ways kept the SRH batters guessing.
Shardul Thakur’s bowling figures:
4 overs
3 wickets for 21 runs
Economy rate: 5.25
His disciplined spell prevented SRH from gaining any momentum during the powerplay.
SRH’s Batting Fails to Fire on a Flat Pitch
Despite batting on a pitch favoring stroke play, SRH’s lineup struggled to build meaningful partnerships. Their power-packed batting order failed to capitalize, managing only 149/7 in 20 overs.
Aiden Markram (32 off 29) and Heinrich Klaasen (27 off 18) attempted to anchor the innings, but frequent wickets derailed their plans. The lack of acceleration in the middle overs and minimal power-hitting at the death left SRH with a below-par total.
Key Batting Contributions for SRH:
Aiden Markram: 32 (29)
Heinrich Klaasen: 27 (18)
Abdul Samad: 19* (12)
LSG’s Steady Chase with Nicholas Pooran’s Fiery Finish
Chasing 150, LSG’s openers KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock provided a steady start. The duo added 47 runs for the first wicket before De Kock fell for 28 off 21 balls, courtesy of a sharp catch by Mayank Agarwal.
As the required run rate climbed, Nicholas Pooran walked in and immediately put pressure on the SRH bowlers. The West Indian batter displayed his trademark power-hitting, launching boundaries and sixes with ease.
Pooran’s match-winning knock:
42 runs off 23 balls*
Strike rate: 182.6
4 fours and 2 sixes
His aggressive approach, including a monstrous six over long-off, sealed the game for LSG with 11 balls to spare.
Bowling Brilliance from LSG’s Attack
Apart from Shardul Thakur’s heroics, LSG’s bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings. Ravi Bishnoi and Krunal Pandya kept SRH’s batters in check with tight lines during the middle overs. Mohsin Khan effectively closed out the death overs, preventing any late flourish.
LSG Bowling Figures:
Shardul Thakur: 4-0-21-3
Ravi Bishnoi: 4-0-28-1
Krunal Pandya: 4-0-25-1
Mohsin Khan: 4-0-29-2
Their disciplined bowling effort restricted SRH to a total that was well below par.
Key Match Stats and Summary
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 star performer with the ball, credited his success to executing the bowling plans perfectly.
“The pitch offered some movement early on, and I just focused on keeping my lines tight. Getting key wickets upfront was the game-changer.”
Nicholas Pooran, who played the match-winning knock, emphasized the importance of backing his power-hitting instincts.
“I stayed calm and waited for the loose deliveries. It was about finishing the game efficiently and I’m glad I could do it for the team.”
LSG Continue Their Strong Start in IPL 2025
The Lucknow Super Giants produced a clinical performance, showcasing their bowling depth and batting firepower. Shardul Thakur’s early breakthroughs and Nicholas Pooran’s match-winning cameo were the standout moments of the game.
Saathee Global
