IPL 2025: Netizens React As Shardul Thakur And Nicholas Pooran Star In LSG’s Thumping Win Over SRH

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) showcased a commanding display of power-hitting and disciplined bowling as they registered a resounding five-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Chasing a challenging target of 191, LSG made light work of the total, finishing the game in just 16.1 overs, courtesy of a breathtaking innings from Nicholas Pooran and an exceptional bowling performance by Shardul Thakur.

Despite a blazing start by SRH’s top order, they faltered in the middle overs, unable to build on their aggressive beginning. LSG, on the other hand, maintained their attacking intent throughout the chase, delivering a statement victory that reaffirmed their strength in this year’s IPL campaign.

SRH’s Explosive Start and Sudden Collapse

Opting to bat first, SRH came out with an aggressive intent, led by their in-form opener Travis Head. The Australian left-hander, known for his attacking stroke play, wasted no time in taking on LSG’s bowlers, finding the boundary with ease. Head raced to 47 off just 28 balls, hitting some exquisite shots that had the home crowd on their feet.

However, his departure triggered a shift in momentum. After stitching a solid 68-run opening stand with Abhishek Sharma (22 off 15), Head fell prey to a well-directed short ball from Ravi Bishnoi. The wicket opened the floodgates for LSG, who quickly tightened their grip on the game.

Shardul Thakur, the ever-reliable wicket-taker, turned the game on its head with a sensational spell. His first breakthrough came when he dismissed Abhishek Sharma early. Soon after, he sent Ishan Kishan packing for a golden duck, leaving SRH in trouble. But the most crucial moment came when he removed the dangerous Aniket Verma, who had been striking the ball cleanly, smashing a blistering 36 off just 13 balls.

From 100/2 in 10 overs, SRH crumbled under pressure, losing wickets at regular intervals. Even a late flourish from Pat Cummins (21 off 12) and Harshal Patel (18 off 9) couldn’t push the score beyond 200. They eventually finished with 190/9 in their 20 overs, a competitive total but not one that guaranteed safety, especially against LSG’s formidable batting lineup.

Shardul Thakur’s Match-Turning Spell

Shardul Thakur was the chief architect of SRH’s collapse, delivering an outstanding bowling performance that dismantled the home side’s middle order. Finishing with figures of 4/34 in his four overs, Thakur showcased his versatility as a bowler, mixing pace variations and cutters effectively.

His ability to deliver under pressure was once again on full display. Just when it seemed SRH were set for a 200+ total, Thakur’s breakthroughs ensured that LSG stayed in control. His precision in the death overs further limited SRH’s ability to score freely, a crucial factor that played a significant role in LSG’s eventual triumph.

Nicholas Pooran’s Masterclass: A Knock to Remember

Chasing 191, LSG got off to a slightly shaky start as they lost Aiden Markram early, courtesy of a well-executed delivery by Pat Cummins. However, what followed was an absolute batting masterclass from Nicholas Pooran.

The West Indies power-hitter launched a breathtaking assault on the SRH bowlers, scoring a sensational 70 off just 26 balls. His innings was a spectacle of fearless power-hitting, studded with six boundaries and six monstrous sixes. Pooran dismantled SRH’s bowling attack with his sheer aggression, ensuring LSG maintained a staggering run rate throughout the chase.

One of the defining moments of his innings was his assault on Mayank Markande in the eighth over, where he smashed three consecutive sixes, completely shifting the game in LSG’s favor. SRH’s bowlers had no answers to Pooran’s onslaught, as he single-handedly took the game away from them in a matter of overs.

Mitchell Marsh’s Steady Support and LSG’s Clinical Chase

While Pooran stole the limelight with his heroics, he found a reliable ally in Mitchell Marsh, who played a vital supporting role. The Australian all-rounder struck a well-composed 52 off 31 balls, ensuring LSG never lost momentum.

The duo stitched together a match-winning 116-run partnership, which not only stabilized the innings after the early loss of Markram but also put LSG in the driver’s seat. Marsh rotated the strike efficiently, allowing Pooran to take on the bowlers while anchoring the chase in the middle overs.

Even after Pooran’s dismissal, LSG never looked in trouble. The finishing touches were applied by David Miller (13* off 7) and Abdul Samad (22* off 8), who sealed the chase with 23 balls to spare, highlighting LSG’s batting depth and aggressive approach.

LSG’s Dominant Approach: A Warning for Opponents

This emphatic victory sends a strong message to the rest of the teams in IPL 2025—LSG are here to dominate. Their batting unit, led by the explosive Nicholas Pooran and the reliable Mitchell Marsh, looks well-equipped to chase down big totals, while their bowling attack, spearheaded by Shardul Thakur, has the firepower to dismantle strong batting lineups.

LSG’s ability to maintain a high run rate throughout the chase was particularly impressive. They never allowed the required run rate to climb, constantly putting pressure on SRH’s bowlers. This aggressive intent, combined with smart game awareness, made their chase look effortless.

Shardul Thakur’s four-wicket haul was another positive sign for LSG. With him leading the pace attack, supported by the likes of Ravi Bishnoi and Mark Wood, their bowling department looks balanced and lethal.

What’s Next for LSG and SRH?

For Lucknow Super Giants, this win will serve as a huge morale booster as they look to build momentum in the tournament. Their next challenge will be against a strong Rajasthan Royals side, where they will aim to replicate their dominant performance.

On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad will have to regroup quickly. Their batting collapse in the middle overs exposed some vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. Despite the early fireworks from Travis Head and some late resistance from Cummins and Harshal Patel, their inability to build steady partnerships hurt them. SRH will now turn their focus to their next match, where they will need to bounce back strongly to stay competitive in IPL 2025.

LSG Make a Statement with a Commanding Win

Lucknow Super Giants’ five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad was a perfect demonstration of their batting firepower and bowling depth. Nicholas Pooran’s breathtaking 70 off 26 balls was the highlight of the match, while Shardul Thakur’s match-winning four-wicket haul ensured that SRH couldn’t capitalize on their strong start.

With this victory, LSG have firmly announced themselves as serious contenders in IPL 2025. Their ability to chase down a daunting target with ease showcases their depth and confidence. As the tournament progresses, LSG will look to maintain this winning momentum, while SRH will need to regroup and make crucial adjustments to avoid further setbacks.

One thing is certain—IPL 2025 has already witnessed some electrifying cricket, and if LSG’s performance against SRH is anything to go by, fans can expect plenty more fireworks in the matches to come!

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