Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran were instrumental in leading Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to an impressive 235 for 2 against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on a challenging black-soil pitch. Marsh shone with his first century of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, scoring 117 from 64 balls. His innings were well supported by Pooran’s swift 56 off 27 balls and Aiden Markram’s solid contribution of 36 from 24 deliveries.
The day began on an unpredictable note for GT. After choosing to bowl, they experienced early missteps, most notably when Arshad Khan lost his footing twice in the second over. Kagiso Rabada also faced difficulties, with one delivery slipping from his grasp, narrowly avoiding Markram. In spite of these challenges, LSG managed a steady 53 without loss after the powerplay.
With Marsh and Markram at the crease, GT skipper Shubman Gill turned to spin by introducing R Sai Kishore ahead of the formidable Rashid Khan. Kishore managed a breakthrough by dismissing Markram, but Marsh was unfazed, launching a fierce assault against Rashid. Previously, Marsh had only managed 31 runs off 33 balls against Rashid, but this time he took 21 runs off Rashid’s initial over.
Attempting to stem the flow of runs, Gill gave Kishore another over when Pooran was at the crease, but the strategy backfired. Pooran seized the opportunity, striking a six and a four in quick succession.
Once Markram departed, Marsh and Pooran continued to pile on the runs, crafting a 121-run partnership in just 52 balls. Marsh celebrated his milestone century, his first in the IPL, off just 56 deliveries. After Marsh eventually fell for 117, Rishabh Pant offered a glimpse of his potential by hitting two sixes in his brief stay, concluding on 16 not out from six balls.
Counselled by Marsh’s exceptional innings and Pooran’s blitz, LSG set a daunting target, which now puts GT under significant pressure as they face a formidable chase.
