Witness Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 70 off 26 balls as LSG secures a stunning victory over SRH. Dive into the highlights and key moments of the match.
Introduction:
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) entered their IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) with high expectations. After their record-breaking IPL 2024 season and an explosive 286 for 6 in their opener, many believed they could become the first team to post a 300-plus total in IPL history. However, reality proved different as they were restricted to 190 for 9. In response, LSG chased it down in style, thanks to a blistering knock from Nicholas Pooran, sealing victory with 23 balls to spare.
SRH’s Big Expectations End in a Modest Total
SRH’s batting firepower had been the talk of the tournament, but LSG’s bowlers, led by Shardul Thakur, had other plans. Despite brief flashes of brilliance, Thakur’s best-ever IPL figures of 4 for 34 ensured that SRH never truly got going.
LSG’s Early Breakthroughs
The only way to stop SRH’s rampaging batting lineup was to take early wickets, and LSG executed their plan brilliantly. Thakur struck twice in one over, removing both Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. Abhishek fell while attempting a pull shot, sending the ball straight to deep square leg, while Kishan was caught down the leg side.
Travis Head, known for his aggressive starts, launched a counterattack, smashing Avesh Khan for two sixes and a four in the fourth over. However, he was eventually dismissed by IPL debutant Prince Yadav, who shattered his stumps to claim his first wicket in the league.
Middle-Order Struggles and Late Fireworks
Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen rebuilt the innings, taking SRH past 100 in the 11th over. However, a bizarre run-out saw Klaasen dismissed when Prince Yadav failed to hold onto a catch but accidentally deflected the ball onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Soon after, Ravi Bishnoi bowled Nitish for 32, putting SRH in trouble.
The team ethos of relentless attacking remained, but it also led to continuous wickets. Aniket Verma hammered two sixes off consecutive balls against Bishnoi and repeated the feat against Digvesh Rathi, scoring 36 off just 13 balls before falling.
Captain Pat Cummins walked in at No. 8 and smashed three consecutive sixes, only to be dismissed on the fourth ball. These late heroics took SRH to 180 for 8 after 18 overs, but only ten runs came from the final two overs, leaving them with a slightly underwhelming total. See also: Ashutosh Sharma’s Late Fireworks Stun LSG
Nicholas Pooran’s Blitzkrieg Ends the Contest Early
Despite SRH managing 190, it was nowhere near enough, as Nicholas Pooran turned the chase into a mere formality with a brutal display of power-hitting.
Explosive Start Despite Early Setback
Mohammed Shami provided SRH with hope when he dismissed Aiden Markram in the second over. However, Pooran’s arrival changed the game instantly. He started his onslaught with a misfield-assisted boundary before launching back-to-back sixes over deep midwicket off Simarjeet Singh.
Pat Cummins introduced Abhishek Sharma’s left-arm spin, a risky move with Pooran at the crease. The West Indian took full advantage, slog-sweeping both deliveries he faced for sixes. Pooran has now hit seven sixes off nine balls against Abhishek in T20 cricket.
Total Domination of SRH Bowlers
Legspinner Adam Zampa didn’t fare any better, conceding two sixes and a four in a single over to Pooran. The LSG star was unstoppable, reaching 70 off just 26 balls, including six fours and six sixes. By the time Cummins finally trapped him lbw, the damage was done—LSG needed only 71 runs off 68 balls.
Marsh Finishes the Job, Samad Seals the Deal
While Pooran was the aggressor, Mitchell Marsh played a crucial supporting role. He had already smashed Shami for two straight sixes in the powerplay and reached his fifty off just 29 balls. Although Cummins dismissed him soon after, LSG had the game in the bag.
At the end of 11 overs, LSG required just 53 runs. They lost Rishabh Pant and Ayush Badoni along the way, but their win was never in doubt. Former SRH player Abdul Samad put the finishing touches with an unbeaten 22 off eight balls, sealing the victory emphatically.
Key Takeaways from the Match
1. SRH’s Batting Depth is Not Always Enough
Despite their aggressive approach, SRH’s batting faltered under pressure. Their inability to post 200 despite having a deep lineup showed that calculated risks are crucial.
2. Shardul Thakur’s Magic Spell
Thakur’s 4 for 34 was the defining factor in restricting SRH. His ability to strike at crucial moments ensured that SRH never gained full momentum.
3. Nicholas Pooran’s Unmatched Power-Hitting
Pooran’s 70 off 26 balls dismantled SRH’s bowling attack. His ability to dominate both spinners and pacers makes him one of the most dangerous T20 players.
4. LSG’s Smart Bowling Changes
LSG rotated their bowlers effectively, with Ravi Bishnoi and Prince Yadav delivering crucial breakthroughs. Their ability to adapt under pressure was commendable.
5. SRH’s Bowling Needs More Bite
SRH’s bowlers failed to defend 190, exposing their struggles in restricting power hitters. They need better execution, especially in the middle overs.
Conclusion
This match was a reality check for SRH, who went from being potential 300-plus scorers to struggling for 200. On the other hand, LSG showcased their dominance with a powerful chase led by Pooran’s sensational hitting. With the tournament still young, both teams will take key learnings from this contest—SRH to solidify their bowling and LSG to maintain their ruthless approach.