Cricholic
Markram was the cornerstone of Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) thrilling 6-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2025. With his brilliant 58 off 31 balls and a fiery knock from Nicholas Pooran (61 off 34), LSG chased down the target of 181 in 19.3 overs to leapfrog to third on the points table.
Where Lucknow Gained Control
The turning point came during the middle overs. While Gujarat’s openers managed to score 55 in the 5 overs following the powerplay, LSG upped the tempo with 62 runs at a quicker rate of 12.4. Pooran played a dominant role, smashing 7 sixes, outstripping Gujarat’s team total of just 3 sixes.
After overs 12-15, Gujarat’s momentum slowed as they lost wickets, scoring only 26 runs in those four overs. Pooran’s blistering knock, on the other hand, ensured LSG stayed on track, taking control of the game.
Phase Comparison (Middle Overs)
| Metric | GT | LSG |
|---|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 81/3 | 93/2 |
| Scoring Rate | 9.00 | 10.33 |
| Fours/Sixes | 8/1 | 5/7 |
Gujarat’s Innings Breakdown
Powerplay: Strong Start by the Openers
Score – 54/0 | Run Rate: 9.00 | Boundaries: 6 Fours, 1 Six
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan set a solid platform for Gujarat after the early pressure. They regularly found the boundary, but LSG missed a crucial run-out chance when Gill was on strike. Despite a good start, the GT openers couldn’t keep the momentum in the middle overs.
Middle Overs: LSG’s and Markram Fightback
Score – 81/3 | Run Rate: 9.00 | Boundaries: 8 Fours, 1 Six
After Gill’s quick half-century, Sudharsan fell soon after, and Gujarat’s middle order struggled. The key wickets of Gill, Sudharsan, and Washington Sundar came in quick succession, slowing down the scoring rate.
Death Overs: Tight Finish, but Below Par
Score – 45/3 | Run Rate: 9.00 | Boundaries: 4 Fours, 1 Six
GT tried to lift the scoring, but LSG kept the pressure on with tight bowling. Shardul and Rathi’s disciplined overs saw Gujarat finish at 180/6, just short of a competitive total.
Lucknow’s Innings Breakdown
Powerplay: Sets the Tone
Score – 61/0 | Run Rate: 10.17 | Boundaries: 9 Fours, 1 Six
With Mitchell Marsh unavailable, Markram opened with Rishabh Pant and took charge early. A couple of missed chances allowed Markram to capitalize and take LSG to a solid start.
Middle Overs: Pooran and Markram Turns the Game
Score – 93/2 | Run Rate: 10.33 | Boundaries: 5 Fours, 7 Sixes
Pooran played an explosive knock, smashing sixes with ease, while Markram collected boundaries. Pooran’s fiery 23-ball fifty kept the chase on track, and despite Markram’s dismissal, LSG were well ahead in the game.
Death Overs: Late Hiccups, But Smooth Finish
Score – 32/2 | Run Rate: 7.11 | Boundaries: 2 Fours, 1 Six
Pooran was dismissed trying to go big, but the cushion of earlier runs meant that LSG comfortably coasted to the finish line. Badoni wrapped up the match with a four and six in the last over, sealing a 6-wicket win.
Match Summary
Gujarat Titans – 180/6 in 20 overs
(Shubman Gill 60, Sai Sudharsan 56; Shardul Thakur 2-34, Ravi Bishnoi 2-36)
Lucknow Super Giants – 186/4 in 19.3 overs
(Nicholas Pooran 61, Aiden Markram 58; Prasidh Krishna 2-26)
Result – LSG won by 6 wickets
Upcoming Fixtures
With a confident victory in hand, Lucknow Super Giants will look to build on their momentum as they take on Chennai Super Kings at home on April 14. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans will have a week-long break before they face Delhi Capitals on April 19.
