Titans’ top-two dreams dented as Marsh, O`Rourke fire LSG to statement win

Mitchell Marsh delivered a batting masterclass to notch up his maiden IPL century, guiding Lucknow Super Giants to a morale-boosting 33-run victory over playoff-bound Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday. The win snapped LSG’s four-match losing streak, though it came after they were already eliminated from the playoff race.

Marsh played a scintillating innings, smashing 117 off just 64 balls in a display of raw power and clean timing. His knock featured 10 boundaries and 8 towering sixes, anchoring the LSG innings with authority. Supporting him with equal aggression at the death was Nicholas Pooran, who remained unbeaten on a fiery 56 off 27 deliveries. The duo combined for a 121-run stand for the second wicket, taking apart Gujarat’s bowling unit with remarkable ease.

The highlight of Marsh’s innings came in the 12th over, when he launched a brutal assault on premier leg-spinner Rashid Khan. The Australian plundered 25 runs off the over, smashing two sixes and three fours to bring up his hundred in just 56 deliveries. That over shifted the momentum decisively in LSG`s favour and underlined Marsh’s dominance at the crease.

Earlier in the innings, Marsh laid a solid foundation alongside opener Aiden Markram. The pair put on a 91-run partnership for the first wicket within nine overs, setting the tone for the carnage that followed. Markram played a measured knock, scoring 36 and rotating the strike effectively to allow Marsh to settle in before launching into top gear.

Following Markram’s dismissal, Pooran walked in and made an immediate impact. He peppered the field with boundaries and cleared the ropes with ease, accelerating the scoring rate and ensuring LSG ended with a mammoth total of 235 for 2 from their 20 overs.

Although the result did not alter the tournament dynamics for Lucknow, who were already out of contention for the playoffs, the win was a statement of intent. Rishabh Pant’s side played with pride and purpose, spoiling Gujarat’s plans to head into the knockouts on a winning note.

Gujarat Titans, who had already secured qualification to the playoffs, appeared to be experimenting with their playing XI and strategies. However, they were thoroughly outplayed on the day, particularly with the ball, as none of their bowlers managed to put the brakes on LSG’s aggressive batting.

This article first appeared on Mid Day