In a high-stakes IPL 2025 clash at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 45 (26 balls) turned into frustration as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) imploded in the death overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Pooran’s fiery innings ended in chaos when a miscommunication with Abdul Samad resulted in a run-out during the 20th over, triggering a dramatic collapse that saw LSG finish at 205/7—a total SRH chased down with 10 balls to spare, knocking LSG out of playoff contention.
With LSG at 185/4 after 19 overs, Pooran seemed poised to propel his team past 220. However, the final over by Nitish Reddy unraveled LSG’s hopes. After smashing a six off the first legal delivery, Pooran handed Samad the strike, only for the latter to hesitate on a quick single. Pooran was caught short of his crease by Ishan Kishan’s sharp throw, departing fuming at 45. The very next ball, Samad was clean-bowled, prompting Pooran to slam his pads against the dugout glass in visible rage.
Despite a blistering 115-run opening stand between Mitchell Marsh (65) and Aiden Markram (61), LSG’s middle order faltered. Only Pooran crossed double digits among the later batters, with Akash Deep’s last-ball six barely salvaging respectability. SRH’s disciplined bowling, led by Reddy (2/32) and Harshal Patel (1/28), capitalized on LSG’s late meltdown.
In reply, SRH’s Abhishek Sharma (59 off 20) and Heinrich Klaasen (48* off 30) dismantled LSG’s attack, sealing victory at 209/4 in 18.2 overs. The win solidified SRH’s playoff berth while ending LSG’s campaign.
Key Reactions:
Cameras captured Pooran’s explosive dugout reaction, throwing his pad after Samad’s dismissal.
SRH skipper Pat Cummins praised his team’s “clinical finish,” while LSG’s Rishabh Pant admitted “poor communication cost us dearly.”
Stat Alert:
LSG lost 3 wickets for 12 runs in the final over.
SRH’s chase marked their highest successful run-chase against LSG in IPL history.
The match underscored the fine margins of T20 cricket—where one over of misjudgment can eclipse an hour of brilliance. Pooran’s outburst now symbolizes LSG’s season of unfulfilled promise.
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