The seventh match of IPL 2025 saw Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 27, 2025, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. After SRH’s explosive start to the season with a 44-run win over Rajasthan Royals, expectations were sky-high for the home side to potentially breach the 300-run mark for the first time in IPL history. However, LSG had other plans, delivering a clinical performance to secure a commanding five-wicket victory with 23 balls to spare.
Toss and Team News
LSG captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid off handsomely. SRH stuck with their unchanged XI from the previous game, banking on their power-packed batting lineup featuring Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen. LSG, meanwhile, welcomed back Avesh Khan into the fold, replacing Shahbaz Ahmed, to bolster their pace attack.
SRH Innings: Shardul Thakur Steals the Show
SRH’s batting, known for its aggressive flair, was put to the test early. Shardul Thakur, LSG’s unsung hero, struck gold in his second over, dismissing Abhishek Sharma (6) and Ishan Kishan (0) off consecutive deliveries. Travis Head (47) counterattacked with his trademark flair, smashing five fours and three sixes, but his luck ran out when Prince Yadav bowled him with a beauty. Nitish Kumar Reddy (32) and Heinrich Klaasen (26) offered some resistance, but Klaasen’s bizarre run-out—courtesy of a deflection off Prince Yadav’s hands onto the stumps—shifted momentum firmly to LSG.
Late cameos from Aniket Verma (36 off 13) and Pat Cummins (18 off 4, including three consecutive sixes off Thakur) pushed SRH to 190/9 in 20 overs. However, on a batting-friendly Hyderabad pitch, this total felt underwhelming. Thakur finished with career-best IPL figures of 4/34, proving to be the game-changer with the ball.
LSG Chase: Pooran and Marsh Unleash Carnage
Chasing 191, LSG lost Aiden Markram early to Mohammed Shami, but that was the only hiccup. Nicholas Pooran (70 off 26) and Mitchell Marsh (52 off 31) launched a brutal assault, stitching together a 116-run stand in just 43 balls. Pooran’s six sixes and six fours left the SRH bowlers shell-shocked, while Marsh complemented him with timely boundaries. By the powerplay’s end, LSG were 77/1, setting the tone for the chase.
Pat Cummins briefly sparked hope for SRH, dismissing both Pooran and Marsh, but Abdul Samad (22* off 8) and David Miller sealed the deal with composure. LSG cruised to 193/5 in 16.1 overs, handing SRH their first loss of the season.
Key Performers
- Shardul Thakur (LSG): 4/34 in 4 overs – Player of the Match for his early breakthroughs and control.
- Nicholas Pooran (LSG): 70 off 26 – A match-defining knock that turned the game on its head.
- Mitchell Marsh (LSG): 52 off 31 – Provided the perfect foil to Pooran’s aggression.
- Travis Head (SRH): 47 – Fought valiantly but couldn’t convert his start.
Takeaways
SRH’s much-hyped batting unit was tamed by LSG’s disciplined bowling and fearless chasing. The defeat serves as a reality check for Pat Cummins’ side, who will need to regroup quickly. For LSG, this win opens their account in IPL 2025 and signals their intent to be serious contenders. Rishabh Pant’s tactical acumen and the team’s ability to bounce back from an opening loss will boost their confidence heading into the next fixtures.
What’s Next?
SRH travel to Visakhapatnam to face Delhi Capitals on March 30, while LSG head home to take on Punjab Kings on April 1. Both teams will look to build on their early-season lessons in what promises to be an exhilarating IPL 2025 campaign.
Also Read: SRH vs LSG Fantasy Cricket Prediction: IPL 2025 Match 7
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