In what was one of the most entertaining games of TATA IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) emphatically defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by 33 runs in Match 64. While LSG were mathematically out of the playoff race, they played like true champions and put together a dominant win against one of the stronger sides in the tournament, at a time when they needed it most. Not only did this win provide a huge boost for the Super Giants, it also severely impacted GT’s chances of finishing in the top two in the League Table.
LSG Batsmen Showed Their Intent
After winning the toss LSG decided to bat, and were given a lesson on aggressive batting. The top-three Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran imposed the groundwork immediately and then just kept going! Markram started on the front foot and batted 36 off 24 balls. While Markram was dismissed part-way through his innings at 36 runs, these runs got Mitchell Marsh enough time to settle-in, impose and stamp his authority on the game.
Mitchell Marsh was by far the player of the night. He batted with authority, intent and class and took a maiden IPL century from an incredibly attacking innings of 117 runs from just 64 balls. Marsh attacked was off 117 runs from just 64 balls., but put together an incredible innings and as he quickly settled in, there was nothing stopping him. Marsh created his fifty in 33 balls then….he just kept the acceleration up.
Following the dismissal of Markram, Nicholas Pooran came to the crease and wasted no time in making impact. Pooran took to the very first ball of his innings with a six, and took immediate control of the innings from there onwards. Pooran was tremendous as support to Marsh who played an unbeaten innings of 56 from 27 balls and formed a partnership in which Marsh and Pooran combined for 121 runs off 51 balls together, and posted LSG to a very respectable target of 235/2 twenty overs in inning. A massive total and one of the taller scores of this season’s IPL, LSG had set a potential daunting target for the Titans to chase.
GT’s Top Order Fights Back
Chasing a total of 236 was never going to be easy, however it should be noted that GT has firepower to try and achieve it. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan were useful in providing the positive start required for GT at the top of the order. The two batters played in good touch, with Sudharsan hitting some crisp boundaries and Gill anchoring their partnership with 46 runs before Sudharsan fell cheaply.
Jos Buttler, who at number-3 came in next, shot out of the blocks right from the start. Buttler faced 1 over from Avesh Kahn where he hit four boundaries including 4, 6, 6, 4 and threatened GT’s innings before expectations could be registered. At the end of the powerplay GT were 67/1, however LSG responded back. A stunning diving catch from Abdul Samad sent Gill back to the pavilion full swing, followed quickly by a brilliant slower ball from Akash Singh to finish Buttler’s innings. Before you knew it GT were a staggering 97/3 after 10 overs.
Middle Order Heroics – the Turnaround of the Match
GT’s middle-order did not go down without a fight, Sherfane Rutherford and Shahrukh Khan led the way and both showed a fresher state of energy and aggressive intent in their innings. Rutherford formed a good innings which put moderate batting alongside the aggressive Shahrukh Khan, and reached his half-century in just 22 balls that brought GT’s innings right back to life.
Their partnership produced 68 runs in five overs, putting GT in a position of needing 71 from the final five overs, but the game was turned on the 17th over bowled by William O’Rourke. In the moment that turned the match on its head, he dismissed Rutherford and Rahul Tewatia in quick succession which robbed GT of their momentum and pushed the asking score up.
Further wickets fell to GT in the death overs as they finished at 202/9, a long way from the target and O’Rourke became the bowling hero with stunning figures of 3/27.
Key Performers
Mitchell Marsh (LSG): 117 off 64 balls (Player of the Match)
Nicholas Pooran (LSG): 56* off 27 balls
William O’Rourke (LSG): 3/27 in 4 overs
Shahrukh Khan (GT): 50 off 22 balls
Sherfane Rutherford (GT): 38 off 22 balls
What It Means For Both Teams
For LSG, this win was a big statement. While they will not be in the playoffs, the performance showed that this team can be supreme. Their top order are in decent form and their bowlers to their credit were calm under pressure.
For GT, this is an expensive loss. With a couple of games remaining in the league stage, every point counts. Losing this game has made it harder for them to earn a top 2 spot. They will need to find their way back quickly and be stronger in their final group match.
Final Thoughts
Match 64 of IPL 2025 was a classic T20 match, a wonderful game of explosive hitting, tight bowling, and a number of momentum shifts. LSG played fearless cricket to a tee and Mitchell Marsh’s hundred was one of the best innings of the season.
As the league heads into the finishing stages, cricket enthusiasts can expect more games with such an adrenaline rush as each game is now essentially knockout. The road ahead appears difficult for GT while LSG save some face from the season with their recent performance.
