Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) registered a narrow 12-run win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in a high-scoring IPL 2025 encounter in Lucknow. Despite a five-wicket haul from Hardik Pandya, MI couldn’t chase down LSG’s 203/8, finishing at 191/5.
LSG’s victory marked their sixth in seven meetings against the five-time champions. Openers Mitchell Marsh (60 off 31) and Aiden Markram (53 off 38) laid the foundation with aggressive half-centuries. Marsh took full advantage of an early reprieve and attacked the MI pacers, while Markram steadied the innings before accelerating. Ayush Badoni (30 off 19) and David Miller’s late blitz ensured LSG crossed the 200-run mark. Hardik struck late blows, ending with 5 for 36, including three wickets in the final two overs.
In response, MI stumbled early but fought back through Suryakumar Yadav’s 67 (43) and Naman Dhir’s explosive 46. The pair counterattacked after both openers fell cheaply. Suryakumar looked set to take MI home but fell while attempting a pre-meditated sweep against Avesh Khan.
With 52 needed off the last four overs, Hardik and Tilak Varma kept MI in the hunt. However, Digvesh Rathi’s economical 18th over and Shardul Thakur’s pinpoint yorkers in the 19th tilted the game back towards LSG. In a tactical move, MI retired Tilak out and sent in Mitchell Santner, but the decision didn’t pay off.
Needing 22 off the final over, Hardik launched a six off the first ball but Avesh held his nerve, giving away just three runs off the next five.
Earlier, Rathi’s tidy spell (1 for 21) played a key role in slowing MI’s middle overs. For all of Hardik’s late fireworks, MI fell just short, handing LSG a crucial win as they continue their strong run in the tournament.
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