New Delhi: Lucknow emerged victorious in a nail-biting encounter against Gujarat Titans, successfully chasing down a target of 181 with three balls to spare in Match 26th of the 2025 IPL. After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Lucknow bowlers delivered timely breakthroughs to restrict Gujarat Titans to 180/6 in 20 overs, before their batters held their nerve in a tense chase.
Batting first, Gujarat Titans got off to a dream start with openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan putting on a brilliant 120-run stand. Both batters looked in sublime touch—Gill stroked 60 off 38 balls with six boundaries and a six, while Sudharsan added 56 from 37, including seven fours and a six. However, the innings derailed after their dismissals in quick succession—Gill was caught by Aiden Markram off Avesh Khan, and Sudharsan fell to Ravi Bishnoi.
Washington Sundar (2) and Jos Buttler (16) couldn’t offer much resistance as Gujarat stumbled in the middle overs. Sherfane Rutherford (22) and Shahrukh Khan (11*) tried to lift the innings, but Gujarat lost momentum at the death. Shardul Thakur was the standout bowler for Lucknow, picking 3/24, including two crucial scalps in the 19th over. Ravi Bishnoi also shone with 2/36, as Gujarat posted a competitive 180/6.
In reply, Lucknow’s chase was anchored by Aiden Markram, who smashed a blazing 58 off 31 balls, combining power with placement. Though they lost captain Rishabh Pant early (21), caught off Prasidh Krishna, Markram’s aggressive approach put Gujarat on the back foot. Nicholas Pooran played a sensational knock, hammering 61 off 34 at a strike rate of 179, keeping Lucknow in the hunt even as wickets fell at the other end.
Rashid Khan dismissed Pooran, and Washington Sundar bowled David Miller for 7, giving Gujarat a glimmer of hope. But Ayush Badoni (28*) held firm alongside Abdul Samad (2*), guiding Lucknow home in the final over.
Despite a solid bowling effort from Gujarat—Prasidh Krishna picked 2/26 and Rashid Khan was economical with 1/35—Lucknow’s depth in batting proved decisive. Their composed finish under pressure ensured a thrilling win, keeping them alive in the playoff race and handing Gujarat a narrow defeat in a high-stakes contest.
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