Lucknow Super Giants’ Playoff Dreams Shattered as SRH’s Abhishek Sharma Steals the Show
By Rahul, Sports Correspondent | Updated: May 20, 2025
Lucknow Super Giants, IPL 2025 – In a high-octane clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were officially eliminated from the IPL 2025 playoffs after a heartbreaking six-wicket defeat to the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Ekana Stadium. The loss marked the end of a roller-coaster season for LSG, who crumbled under pressure despite a fiery start, while SRH’s Abhishek Sharma delivered a jaw-dropping 18-ball fifty to seal the game.
Lucknow Super Giants Batting Fireworks Fizzle Out in Critical Moments
The Lucknow Super Giants began their innings with the kind of dominance that had fans dreaming of a playoff spot. Openers Mitchell Marsh (65 off 35) and Aiden Markram (61 off 34) tore into SRH’s bowling attack, stitching together a 115-run partnership at a blistering rate of nearly 11 runs per over. Marsh, in particular, was ruthless, hammering Pat Cummins for a six and a four in the very first over. By the 10th over, LSG were cruising at 108/0, and a 220+ total seemed inevitable.
But cricket, as they say, is a game of glorious uncertainties.
The tide turned dramatically in the second half of LSG’s innings. SRH’s bowlers, led by Eshan Malinga (2/28) and Harshal Patel, exploited the slowing pitch with clever variations. Marsh fell victim to a sharp-turning delivery from debutant spinner Harsh Dubey, while skipper Rishabh Pant (promoted to No. 3) departed cheaply after mistiming a slower ball. From 108/0, LSG collapsed to 205/7, losing seven wickets for just 97 runs in the final 10 overs.
Nicholas Pooran’s late blitz (45 off 26) provided some hope, but LSG’s over-reliance on their “Big Three” – Marsh, Markram, and Pooran – was glaring. No other batter crossed double digits.
Abhishek Sharma’s Hurricane Innings Leaves Lucknow Super Giants Shell-Shocked
Chasing 206, SRH’s reply was nothing short of sensational. Abhishek Sharma, filling in for the Covid-stricken Travis Head, unleashed a carnage that left LSG’s bowlers clueless. The left-hander smashed six sixes and five fours in a 20-ball 59, racing to his fifty in just 18 deliveries – the joint-third-fastest in IPL history.
The highlight? A 26-run assault on LSG’s star leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi in the seventh over, where Abhishek hit three consecutive sixes down the ground. Social media erupted with comparisons to Yuvraj Singh’s iconic six-sixes over, as fans dubbed it “Abhishek’s Revenge.”
“Abhishek is an unbelievable hitter of pace and spin. He made a tough chase look like a walk in the park,” said SRH coach Tom Moody after the game.
LSG’s Bowling Woes Exposed Again
While Abhishek’s heroics stole headlines, LSG’s bowling frailties were laid bare. Despite debutant Digvesh Rathi (2/37) claiming crucial wickets of Abhishek and Ishan Kishan (35 off 28), the lack of experienced death bowlers cost LSG dearly. Rathi’s fiery send-off to Abhishek sparked a heated exchange, with umpires intervening to cool tempers.
“We’ll surely discuss Pant’s captaincy and our bowling strategies off-season,” Moody admitted, hinting at LSG’s need for a tactical overhaul.
The decision to rely heavily on uncapped players like Rathi and New Zealand’s Will O’Rourke (1/44) backfired, as SRH’s Heinrich Klaasen (47 off 29) and Kamindu Mendis (34* off 22) comfortably closed the chase with 10 balls to spare.
Where Did Lucknow Super Giants Go Wrong?
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Middle-Order Meltdown: LSG’s batting collapsed once the openers departed. Pant’s gamble to promote himself failed, exposing the team’s lack of depth.
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Death Bowling Blues: LSG conceded 97 runs in the last 10 overs while batting and failed to defend 205 despite early breakthroughs.
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Over-Reliance on Stars: Marsh, Markram, and Pooran contributed 171 of LSG’s 205 runs. The rest managed just 34.
Playoff Race: MI vs DC for the Final Spot
With LSG’s exit, the IPL 2025 playoff race is now down to Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC). Both teams will battle for the fourth spot, with net run rate likely playing a decisive role.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Fans expressed mixed emotions on X (formerly Twitter):
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“Abhishek Sharma just murdered LSG’s playoff hopes. What a player!” – @CricketFanatic
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“Pant needs to step up as captain. LSG’s middle order is a disaster!” – @SuperGiantFan
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“Rathi’s send-off was epic, but SRH taught us a lesson in power-hitting.” – @IPLInsider
Looking Ahead: Lucknow Super Giants Road to Redemption
As Lucknow Super Giants pack their bags, questions loom over Pant’s leadership and the team’s auction strategy. With key players underperforming and injuries plaguing their campaign (as Pant pointed out), the franchise faces a critical off-season.
For SRH, the win is a bittersweet end to a inconsistent season. However, Abhishek’s emergence as a T20 superstar offers hope for 2026.
Final Scorecard:
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LSG: 205/7 in 20 overs (Marsh 65, Markram 61; Malinga 2/28)
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SRH: 206/4 in 18.2 overs (Abhishek 59, Klaasen 47; Rathi 2/37)
Player of the Match: Abhishek Sharma (59 off 20 balls)
