23 May, 2025 | 10:02 AM

A blazing maiden IPL century from Mitchell Marsh and a match-turning spell by Will O’Rourke led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to a commanding 33-run victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad, putting a dent in the Titans’ hopes for a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 league phase.

Marsh and Pooran Power LSG to Massive Total

After being put in to bat on a black-soil surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium, LSG made the most of favourable conditions. Marsh led the charge with a scintillating 117 off 64 deliveries, his second T20 century, while Nicholas Pooran added a destructive 56* off 27 balls. The pair combined for a 121-run partnership in just 52 balls to help LSG post a daunting 235 for 2.

Despite a few early mis-hits and some bizarre moments—including slippery conditions affecting bowlers and a controversial high full toss from Kagiso Rabada—LSG ended the powerplay at 53 for 0. Marsh took control soon after, punishing GT’s premier spinner Rashid Khan for 25 runs in a single over. Pooran provided explosive support, particularly in the death overs.

GT’s Top Order Falters, Middle Order Fights Back

Chasing 236, GT lost their in-form trio of Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler within the first ten overs—marking their earliest top-three collapse this season. Sai Sudharsan’s dismissal to a sharp catch by Aiden Markram and Gill’s miscued shot off Avesh Khan derailed GT’s start.

However, a powerful 86-run stand in just 40 balls between Shahrukh Khan (57 off 28) and Sherfane Rutherford (38 off 19) kept GT in the hunt. The Titans needed 54 runs from the final four overs with six wickets in hand, but O’Rourke’s brilliant 17th over sealed their fate.

O’Rourke’s Double Blow Turns the Tide

Will O’Rourke, who had earlier dismissed Sai Sudharsan, returned for a decisive spell in the death overs. In the 17th over, he removed both Rutherford and Rahul Tewatia while conceding just four runs, effectively ending GT’s challenge. The final overs yielded only 20 runs without a single boundary as GT finished on 202 for 9.

GT’s Middle Order Shows Promise Amid Concerns

Before this match, GT’s middle order had the lowest average in the league despite the highest strike rate, reflecting their reliance on the top order. While their middle order stepped up in this match, the late collapse highlighted the need for more consistent support from the lower half of the lineup.

Table Impact

The win was a consolation for LSG, who are already out of playoff contention, but a damaging one for Gujarat Titans, who now risk missing out on a top-two finish heading into the final phase of the league.