Before the match, many believed Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) might post the first-ever 300-plus total in IPL history. After a record-breaking IPL 2024, SRH had posted 286 for 6 in their IPL 2025 opener, and with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) missing some key bowlers, the expectation seemed reasonable. However, SRH could not even reach 200. They finished with 190 for 9, thanks to Shardul Thakur’s impressive 4 for 34.
Pooran Powers LSG’s Chase
Despite a challenging total, Nicholas Pooran made SRH’s target seem small. The explosive batsman scored a rapid 70 off 26 balls, including six fours and as many sixes, leading LSG to victory. By the time Pat Cummins dismissed Pooran, LSG only needed 71 runs off 68 balls, a task they achieved with ease. Mitchell Marsh also contributed with a solid 52, while Abdul Samad finished things off with an unbeaten 22.
Thakur’s Early Breakthroughs
LSG knew they had to break SRH’s batting momentum early, and Shardul Thakur did just that. He dismissed Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan in quick succession, putting SRH on the back foot. While Travis Head fought back with some big hits, LSG kept up the pressure. Head was dropped twice, but his innings was cut short when he was bowled out by Prince Yadav.
Klaasen’s Unfortunate Run Out
SRH lost another crucial wicket when Heinrich Klaasen was run out in an unusual manner. Nitish Kumar Reddy played a full toss to the bowler’s left, and although Prince Yadav failed to catch it, the ball ricocheted onto the stumps, sending Klaasen back to the pavilion. SRH continued to fight with sixes but lost wickets in quick succession. The final overs saw them struggle to score, reaching 190 for 9.
Pooran Dominates the Chase
Mohammed Shami’s early breakthrough in LSG’s chase didn’t faze Pooran, who launched an attack from the start. He hit the first ball he faced for a boundary and then cleared the fence twice in a row off Simarjeet Singh. Pooran’s onslaught continued against Ravi Bishnoi and Adam Zampa, hitting them for multiple sixes. His 70 runs from just 26 balls left SRH with little chance.
Marsh’s Quick Fifty and Samad’s Cameo
Even after Pooran’s dismissal, LSG’s victory was never in doubt. Marsh, who had been playing the supporting role to Pooran, reached his fifty off just 29 balls. Although he was dismissed soon after, LSG still needed only 53 from the last 9 overs. Despite losing a few more wickets, Abdul Samad’s quick 22 from 8 balls wrapped up the chase with 23 balls to spare.
LSG comfortably beat SRH by five wickets, chasing down 190 with ease, leaving the hosts with plenty to reflect on.
