Ahmedabad: In a high-stakes encounter that could reshape the IPL 2025 playoffs, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) delivered a commanding performance to defeat Gujarat Titans (GT) by 33 runs, effectively denting GT’s aspirations of finishing in the top two of the points table.
Batting first, LSG’s top order came to the fore once again, posting an imposing 235 for 2. Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran were the stars of the show, both notching up fluent half-centuries. Marsh, who was later adjudged Player of the Match, credited the turnaround to his new opening role and his growing partnership with Aiden Markram. “Being given the opportunity to open, the partnership with Markram has helped me,” Marsh noted. Reflecting on the competitiveness of the tournament, he added, “The IPL is a beast of a competition, any team can beat any team and that makes it the best tournament in the world.”
In response, GT could only muster 202 for 9, falling well short despite spirited knocks from Shahrukh Khan and Sherfane Rutherford. GT captain Shubman Gill admitted his side let the game slip in the latter stages. “They scored 180 in the next 14 overs which was a lot,” said Gill. “We gave 15-20 extra. If we'd stopped them at 210-220 it would've been better.”
Gill’s men now face a challenging path to Qualifier 1. They must win their final game and hope either Punjab Kings or Royal Challengers Bangalore drop points in theirs.
LSG captain Rishabh Pant praised his team’s all-round effort but acknowledged the season’s ups and downs. “We talk about playing good cricket, we've shown on occasion we can do that,” he said. “There were times in the tournament where we had our chances (but didn't make it), but it's part and parcel of the game.” Pant also lauded the bowlers for keeping their composure under pressure, while stressing the need to improve in the field.
With just one league fixture remaining for each team, the race for playoff spots is set for a thrilling finale. For now, it’s LSG who march forward with renewed hope, while GT are left to regroup and cling to playoff permutations.
