Toss and Strategy
Gujarat Titans’ captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bowl first, taking into account the dew factor that often influences night games in Ahmedabad. The decision was a strategic one, banking on their strong bowling unit to contain Lucknow’s batting firepower.
Lucknow Super Giants’ Innings: A Competitive Total
Opening for Lucknow, Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul began the innings cautiously. Facing the pace of Mohammed Shami and the guile of Rashid Khan, the pair managed a steady start, reaching 48/0 at the end of the powerplay. De Kock looked particularly fluent, scoring boundaries with elegant timing, while Rahul played the anchor role.
The breakthrough came in the ninth over when Washington Sundar dismissed Rahul for 22 off 20 balls. Nicholas Pooran joined de Kock and immediately made his presence felt with aggressive stroke play. De Kock reached a well-constructed fifty off 38 balls, and together with Pooran, the duo added 70 runs before de Kock was trapped lbw by Josh Little for 61 off 44 balls.
Pooran continued his onslaught, scoring a blistering 40 off just 20 balls, including three towering sixes. Aiden Markram supported with 28 from 22 deliveries, while skipper Rishabh Pant chipped in with a quick 15 off 8 balls. A late cameo from Ayush Badoni, who scored 12* off 6 balls, propelled Lucknow to a formidable total of 186/5 in 20 overs.
Among Gujarat’s bowlers, Mohammed Shami impressed with figures of 2/34. Rashid Khan was economical as ever, conceding only 28 in his four overs and picking up a crucial wicket. Little and Mohit Sharma also contributed with a wicket each.
Gujarat Titans’ Run Chase: A Spirited Effort Falls Short
Gujarat Titans’ chase began with promise as openers Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha took the attack to the Lucknow bowlers. Saha found early boundaries off Naveen-ul-Haq, while Gill played exquisite cover drives, racing to 20 off just 12 balls. By the end of the powerplay, Gujarat were well placed at 54/0.
The first breakthrough for Lucknow came in the seventh over when Ravi Bishnoi trapped Saha lbw for 28 off 22 balls. Sai Sudharsan joined Gill, and the duo kept the momentum going. Gill reached his half-century in 32 balls, maintaining Gujarat’s scoring rate.
Avesh Khan then turned the tide by dismissing Sudharsan for 18. Hardik Pandya entered and brought the fireworks, smashing a six off Krunal Pandya to inject urgency into the innings. Gill continued his dominant display, taking Gujarat to 130/3 before being dismissed for 75 off 45 balls by Mohsin Khan.
David Miller and Pandya kept Gujarat in the hunt, but key wickets at crucial moments stalled their progress. Pandya was dismissed for 22, and despite Miller’s 25 off 14 and a valiant 10* off 5 from Rashid Khan, Gujarat fell just short, finishing at 180/6—losing by six runs.
Key Performers
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Nicholas Pooran was named Player of the Match for his explosive 40 off 20 balls that provided the momentum Lucknow needed.
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Shubman Gill stood tall for Gujarat with a sublime 75, but the middle-order collapse proved costly.
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Avesh Khan (2/32) and Mohsin Khan (1/28) were instrumental in Lucknow’s defense during the death overs.
Final Thoughts
lucknow super giants vs gujarat titans match scorecard This narrow win was a morale booster for Lucknow Super Giants, closing their IPL 2025 campaign on a high. For Gujarat Titans, the loss was a minor setback, though they remain in strong contention for a top-two finish. The match was a showcase of everything that makes T20 cricket exciting—power hitting, strategic bowling, and edge-of-the-seat drama.
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