IPL 2025: Hardik's heroics not enough as LSG edge out MI

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by 12 runs in a thrilling match, securing their sixth win in seven games against the five-time IPL champions. Despite a brilliant performance from Hardik Pandya, who took 5 wickets for 36 runs, MI fell short in their chase of 204 runs set by LSG.

LSG posted a competitive total of 203 for 8, thanks to solid half-centuries from openers Mitchell Marsh (60) and Aiden Markram (53). The total was further boosted by a disciplined spell of 4 overs, 1 wicket for 21 runs, from Digvesh Rathi.

In reply, MI’s chase was led by Suryakumar Yadav, who played a stylish knock of 67 off 43 balls, and Naman Dhir, who added a quickfire 46. Hardik also contributed with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 28, but MI’s chase ultimately fell short despite some late fireworks.

The turning point in the match came in the 17th over when Avesh Khan dismissed Suryakumar, who was looking in control. Suryakumar pre-meditated a sweep shot, but the ball was well outside the off-stump, and he was caught at deep-backward square leg. This wicket shifted the momentum in LSG's favor, leaving MI needing 52 runs off the last four overs.

Hardik and Tilak Varma tried to fight back, but Shardul Thakur bowled an excellent 19th over, conceding only 7 runs. MI’s hopes were further dashed when 22 runs needed off the final over, Hardik launched a six off Avesh Khan’s first ball, but Avesh stuck to his yorkers and conceded only three runs off the next five deliveries. LSG won by 12 runs.

Earlier in the game, LSG got off to a strong start, making 69 runs in the powerplay. Marsh was the key contributor, scoring 60 off just 31 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. He could have been dismissed early, but a nick off Trent Boult in the first over went unnoticed by the umpires. Marsh’s aggressive strokeplay continued throughout the powerplay, with some memorable boundaries.

MI managed to stem the flow of runs after Marsh's dismissal, but Hardik Pandya’s wickets slowed down LSG's momentum. However, a late flourish from David Miller, who scored a six and a four in the final over, lifted LSG’s total to 203. Miller's knock also marked his 3000th IPL run, adding a special moment to his innings.

Despite Hardik's best efforts with the ball and the bat, LSG's death bowlers, led by Avesh Khan, held their nerve and restricted MI, who could manage 191 for 5 in their chase. 

With this victory, LSG moved up to sixth place in the points table with four points, while Mumbai Indians dropped to seventh with two points, both after playing four matches respectively.