The match on April 4 at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow, was full paisa-vasool. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by 12 runs. But honestly, the game had more twists than a daily soap.
LSG batted first and made 203 runs. Mumbai gave a strong fight but ended at 191. It was not just a game, it was a full-on rollercoaster — quick runs, big wickets, strange decisions, and plenty of moments that made fans scratch their heads.
LSG Batting: Marsh Went All Guns, Others Kept the Fire Going
Mitchell Marsh started like he was in a hurry to finish the match himself. He smashed 60 off just 31 balls — hitting nine fours and two sixes like he was playing in his backyard. Aiden Markram supported well with a steady 53 off 38 balls.
Together, they made a 76-run partnership that gave LSG a solid base. But once Marsh got out in the 7th over, others had to carry forward. Nicholas Pooran came in with full energy — scored 12 off 6 balls with a quick four and six. Short stay, but fiery one.
Captain Rishabh Pant, though, had a forgettable day — just 2 runs off 6 balls. Dismissed by Hardik Pandya. But the lower middle order saved the day. Ayush Badoni scored a handy 30 from 19 balls and David Miller made a fast 27 from just 14 deliveries. Even Shardul Thakur chipped in with a quick 5 from 2 balls. That little push at the end helped LSG reach 203.
From MI’s side, Hardik Pandya was the only one who looked sharp with the ball. He took 4 wickets for 36 runs. Rest of the bowlers looked a bit clueless, and even gave away 8 extra runs — which hurt them in the end.
MI’s Chase: Suryakumar Tried His Best, But Tilak’s Exit Raised Eyebrows
Chasing 204 is never easy, and MI’s start didn’t help. Will Jacks got out early for 5, and Ryan Rickelton didn’t stay long either. But then came Suryakumar Yadav — played like the classy player he is. 67 runs from 43 balls, full of confidence, full of style.
Naman Dhir also batted well — scored 46 from 24 balls and looked in good touch. But after he got out, things started to slip. MI still had a chance, but the big turning point came when Tilak Varma, who was batting slowly, got retired out.
Yes, retired out — not injured, just sent back. He had made 25 from 23 balls, and his strike rate was low. Hardik decided to try something new — brought in Mitchell Santner instead. But that move didn’t work. Santner made just 2 runs off 2 balls.
In the last over, MI needed 22 runs. Hardik tried his best — stayed not out on 28 off 16 balls. But it was too much in the end. Avesh Khan bowled the final over well and gave away only 9 runs. MI finished at 191 for 5. Close, but not enough.
Rishabh Pant: Expensive Player, Average Batting, Strong Captaincy
Pant was the most expensive pick for LSG this season, so fans expected fireworks. But in this match, he couldn’t do much with the bat. Just 2 runs — that too after facing 6 balls.
But as a captain, he handled things nicely. LSG were punished for slow over-rate (extra fielder had to stay inside the circle), still he managed to keep the field calm and focused.
He used his bowlers smartly. Digvesh Rathi gave just 21 runs in 4 overs and took an important wicket. Shardul bowled a tight 19th over, and Avesh finished things well in the 20th. Pant said after the match, “Mentally tough game, but we kept our calm.” That sums it up well.
Yes, he needs to score more runs — no doubt. But he’s showing leadership, which also matters.
Match Winners: Marsh and Rathi Shine Bright
Mitchell Marsh’s aggressive 60 set the foundation. Without that, LSG wouldn’t have reached 200. Digvesh Rathi also impressed — not just with wickets, but with tight bowling. He didn’t allow MI to settle. He got Player of the Match, and it was well-deserved.
Hardik Pandya also had a good game personally — 4 wickets and 28 not out with the bat. But his gamble with Tilak might haunt him later.
What Went Wrong for MI?
Fielding was a major problem — easy runs were given away. Even Hardik admitted later that they gave “10-12 runs extra” because of poor fielding.
Batting didn’t have steady partnerships after Surya got out. And that decision to retire out Tilak — well, it was bold, but maybe too risky. Sometimes it works, sometimes it backfires.
MI is still trying to find rhythm in IPL 2025. This loss shows they have a few things to fix.
What’s Next for LSG?
This win brings LSG up to sixth place. Their next match is against KKR at Eden Gardens. It won’t be easy, but if Pant finds form with the bat and bowlers keep doing their job, they can be a strong playoff team.
For now, they’ll enjoy this win — their first at home this season.
Final Thoughts
This was one of those matches where everything happened — big hits, smart bowling, bold tactics, and even unusual decisions. LSG handled pressure better. MI had the power, but not the execution.
Some will say Hardik’s Tilak call was a mistake. Others will call it brave. Either way, this match gave fans a lot to talk about.
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