Lucknow Super Giants defeat Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, defending a 236-run first-innings total, which looked too steep for GT once they lost their top order.
Gujarat Titans had a strong start with the typical approach from Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill in the first four overs before debutant William O’Rourke dismissed Sudharsan for 21 runs off 16 balls. Nevertheless, Jos Buttler, who came in next, joined his skipper in the middle and stitched together a steady partnership.
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LSG Dismantle GT’s Top Order Inside 10 Overs
GT ended their powerplay at 67 runs for 1 wicket, with both Gill and Buttler looking in control as usual. But Avesh Khan had other ideas—he broke the partnership by dismissing Shubman Gill for 35 runs off 20 balls, leaving GT at 85 runs for 2 wickets at the end of eight overs.
LSG were able to strike again quickly, this time removing Jos Buttler as Akash Singh delivered a crucial blow by dismissing him for 33 runs off 18 wickets. With that, LSG managed to dismantle GT's dangerous top order inside the first 10 overs.
Also Read: India's Test Team To Be Announced On Saturday, Shubman Gill Set To Become Test Captain
Resilient Effort from GT’s Middle Order
But the real twist came from the unlikely middle-order duo Sherfane Rutherford and Shahrukh Khan, who took the attack to LSG’s bowlers. At one stage, it looked like they were taking the game away from LSG, as their 86-run partnership off just 40 balls provided a much-needed spark in the chase. However, once again, it was William O’Rourke who got the breakthrough, and LSG’s death bowling unit—comprising Avesh Khan and Akash Deep—complemented O’Rourke to stage a solid fightback.
Shahrukh Khan’s lone fight ended in vain despite scoring his first fifty of the season, as GT was eventually restricted to 202 runs for 9 wickets, handing LSG a 33-run victory.
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Gujarat Titans fought valiantly, but the target proved too much in the end. However, as a silver lining, GT’s middle order showed resilience and proved they can take the fight forward, offering promise if the top order fails in upcoming games. As for LSG, they’ll take this win with pride, and Mitchell Marsh was named Player of the Match for his outstanding 117 runs off 64 balls.
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