IPL 2025: Can Marsh and Markram Lead LSG to Victory Against SRH?

Lucknow, May 19 (NationPress) Mitchell Marsh (65) and Aiden Markram (61) ignited the innings with matching 28-ball half-centuries, while Nicholas Pooran contributed a rapid 26-ball 45, propelling the Lucknow Super Giants to a formidable total of 205/7 in 20 overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad during Match 61 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Ekana Stadium on Monday.

This encounter was crucial for the home team as they vie for a playoff spot in a tight three-team race. LSG began with a bang but slightly lost steam, ultimately achieving only their second 200-plus score at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.

Electing to bat first, the Lucknow Super Giants got off to a blistering start, reaching 69 without loss in the Power-play, thanks to the ongoing brilliance of the M&M duo.

The opening partnership between Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram was remarkable, as both players reached their half-centuries in just 28 balls. They amassed 115 runs for the first wicket, capitalizing on the bowling inadequacies on a pitch that offered little assistance and benefitting from some fielding errors by SRH.

Marsh and Markram had their share of luck; they survived early chances against debutant left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey, who displayed commendable composure in his inaugural game.

The 22-year-old Dubey nearly made an impact with his first delivery in IPL, but Ishan Kishan couldn’t grab a bottom edge from Marsh’s bat, allowing the chance to slip through. Markram also benefitted when he lost his footing attempting to play a shot, with Kishan again failing to effect a stumping.

Seizing the opportunity, Marsh raced to his half-century, striking a four and six off Pat Cummins in his first over. The Australian also found boundaries against Dubey, Harshal Patel, and Eshan Malinga. Eventually, Dubey secured his first IPL wicket when Marsh, who scored 65 off 39 balls with six fours and four sixes, edged a delivery to Malinga.

Markram, who recorded his fifth IPL 2025 half-century, made his mark with a single after scoring four boundaries and three sixes. Despite being dropped by Aniket Verma, he executed some impressive shots, including a massive six off Dubey. Markram eventually fell for 61 off 38 balls, bowled by a slow delivery from Harshal Patel, marking Patel's 150th IPL wicket.

In the midst of this, Rishabh Pant (7) and Ayush Badoni (3) struggled, allowing SRH to regain some control. From a strong position of 118 for 1 in 11 overs, LSG only managed 50 runs for 2 wickets in the next six overs, finishing at 168/3 in 17 overs.

Nicholas Pooran showcased his power hitting with two boundaries in a single over, contributing significantly to the total. In the final over, he hit a six but was run out attempting a risky single. Pooran concluded his innings with 45 runs off 26 balls, including six fours and one six.

Shardul Thakur (4) managed a boundary but was run out, while Abdul Samad (3) followed suit, resulting in a chaotic end as LSG lost three wickets in the last over, yet still surpassed the 200-run milestone.

SRH struggled in the closing overs, conceding six extras in the last 12 balls. Eshan Malinga emerged as their standout bowler with figures of 2-28.

Brief Scores:

Lucknow Super Giants: 205/7 in 20 overs (Mitchell Marsh 65, Aiden Markram 61, Nicholas Pooran 45; Eshan Malinga 2-28, Harsh Dubey 1-44) against Sunrisers Hyderabad.