New Delhi: Nicholas Pooran stole the spotlight in a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, as his explosive batting led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to a commanding five-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Pooran smashed the fastest fifty of the season, reaching the milestone in just 18 balls, and finished with a fiery 70 off 26 deliveries, including six boundaries and six towering sixes.
Batting first, SRH posted a competitive total of 190/9, thanks to contributions from Travis Head (47 off 28) and Aniket Verma (36 off 13). However, their innings lacked consistency, with key players like Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma falling early.
LSGโs Shardul Thakur was instrumental in dismantling SRHโs batting lineup, delivering a sensational spell of 4/34. Thakurโs scalps included the crucial wickets of Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Abhinav Manohar, and Mohammed Shami. His performance not only restricted SRH to a manageable total but also earned him the Player of the Match award.
In response, LSGโs chase got off to a shaky start, but Mitchell Marsh (52 off 31) and Nicholas Pooranโs blistering partnership turned the game around. Pooranโs aggressive approach left the SRH bowlers helpless, and his 116-run stand with Marsh ensured LSGโs dominance. The target was chased down comfortably in just 16.1 overs, marking LSGโs first win of the season.
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Post-match, LSG captain Rishabh Pant praised the teamโs all-round performance, saying, โShardulโs bowling set the tone, and Pooranโs knock was simply outstanding. This win gives us the momentum we needed.โ
SRH skipper Pat Cummins acknowledged the oppositionโs brilliance, stating, โPooranโs innings took the game away from us. We need to regroup and come back stronger.โ
Fans were ecstatic about Pooranโs record-breaking innings, with one tweeting, โNicholas Pooran is a game-changer! Fastest fifty of IPL 2025โwhat a knock!โ Another added, โShardul Thakurโs spell was a masterclass in bowling under pressure.โ
With this victory, LSG climbed up the points table, while SRH will need to address their inconsistencies in both batting and bowling to stay competitive in the tournament.
