Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran power Lucknow to IPL win over Gujarat

Markram and Pooran's fifties help Lucknow Super Giants seal third consecutive IPL victory.

Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran of Lucknow Super Giants run between the wickets during the 2025 IPL match against Gujarat Titans on April 12, 2025, in Lucknow, India. Photo by Surjeet Yadav/MB Media

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran power Lucknow to IPL win over Gujarat Titans with brilliant half-centuries in a confident six-wicket victory on Saturday at the Ekana Stadium. The pair shared crucial partnerships to help the Lucknow Super Giants chase down 181 with just three balls remaining, extending their winning streak to three games in the 2025 Indian Premier League.

On a surface that offered little pace, Markram’s 58 and Pooran’s explosive 61 were the cornerstones of Lucknow’s successful run chase. Their calculated approach and timely acceleration helped overcome a disciplined Gujarat Titans bowling attack and handed the table-toppers only their second defeat of the season.

Lucknow’s steady start despite early loss

Opening the innings in place of Mitchell Marsh—who missed the match due to his daughter’s illness—Markram was joined at the top by captain Rishabh Pant. While Pant’s form has continued to frustrate fans and management alike, the South African took charge with a measured approach, absorbing early pressure before opening up.

Pant survived a dropped catch early in his innings, but could not capitalize. He managed to strike four boundaries but eventually mistimed a lofted shot off Prasidh Krishna, caught at deep third man for 21 off 18 balls.

Pant’s modest contribution extended his run of low scores in IPL 2025, having scored just 40 runs across five matches despite being the most expensive player of the season at $3.21 million.

Markram and Pooran guide the chase

Markram anchored the innings smartly, crafting his second half-century at the Ekana Stadium. His 58 runs came off 45 balls and included five boundaries and two sixes. Steady and focused, he kept the scoreboard moving, building partnerships and taking calculated risks.

The momentum shifted significantly when Pooran walked in. The West Indian left-hander took a few deliveries to get settled, but once he found his rhythm, he unleashed his power-hitting. Pooran’s 61 off just 34 balls included seven towering sixes and one four, as he accelerated the innings when Gujarat was tightening the screws.

Their partnership of 58 runs kept Gujarat’s bowlers at bay and pushed the pressure firmly onto the fielding side. Markram eventually fell to Prasidh Krishna, but by then, the platform was strong enough.

Pooran’s fireworks seal the game

Once Markram departed, Pooran took center stage. He brought up his fifty in just 23 balls with a massive six and continued to hammer the bowlers into submission. Though Rashid Khan eventually dismissed him, catching him at long-on, the damage had already been done.

Pooran’s fourth fifty of the season pushed his overall run tally to 349—surpassing Gujarat’s Sai Sudharsan who stood at 329 after earlier scoring 56 in the match.

When Pooran departed, Gujarat still sensed a slim chance of pulling off a win. Spinner Washington Sundar even removed David Miller for just seven, adding a twist to the tale in the final over.

However, Ayush Badoni, brought in as an impact substitute, played a mature hand under pressure. His unbeaten 28 included a decisive four and six that sealed the win for Lucknow with just three balls to go.

Gujarat’s innings derailed after strong start

Earlier in the day, Gujarat Titans had looked poised for a big total after electing to bat first. Their openers, Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, stitched together a commanding 120-run stand. Gill was fluent, scoring 60, while Sudharsan added a composed 56.

But once that opening partnership was broken, Gujarat lost momentum rapidly. The Lucknow bowlers tightened their lines, and the visitors couldn’t keep up the scoring rate.

Shardul Thakur and Ravi Bishnoi were particularly effective, claiming two wickets each and choking the run flow through the middle overs. Their performances ensured Gujarat finished at 180-6—a total that looked competitive but slightly under par on a flat surface.

Bowling discipline wins it for Lucknow

Lucknow’s bowlers deserve as much credit for the victory as their batters. Despite a solid opening stand from Gujarat, they maintained pressure and showed resilience to fight back.

Thakur mixed his pace cleverly while Bishnoi’s leg-spin troubled even the in-form batters. Krunal Pandya bowled tightly and gave little away, and Naveen-ul-Haq kept things economical at the death.

Their collective effort ensured that Gujarat, despite a great start, could not push past the 200-mark—a target that might have tilted the balance in their favor.

Standings tighten as IPL playoff race heats up

With this result, Gujarat Titans slipped down a spot from the top of the ten-team table, making room for Rajasthan Royals to leapfrog them. Lucknow, with four wins in six games, sit comfortably in third place.

The IPL 2025 season is now wide open. As the league nears its halfway point, every match becomes critical in shaping the playoff picture. Teams like Lucknow, with rising form and match-winners in their ranks, are peaking at the right time.

Markram and Pooran’s match-winning performances have not only boosted Lucknow’s campaign but have also shown the depth and power in their batting order.

Markram, Pooran form crucial to Lucknow’s title hopes

Aiden Markram’s calm under pressure and Nicholas Pooran’s explosive finishing will be key to Lucknow’s success in the second half of the tournament. With Marsh likely to return soon and Pant under scrutiny for form, the middle order will need continued stability and flair.

Pooran’s rise as the tournament’s leading scorer speaks to his consistency and ability to change games quickly. For Markram, the innings against Gujarat was a timely reminder of his class and leadership when it mattered most.

As Lucknow eye their first IPL title, these two stars could very well be the driving force behind their campaign.

Their next challenge will be a high-stakes clash against the Mumbai Indians—a team also battling for a top-four finish. If Markram and Pooran continue this form, Lucknow will enter the fixture with confidence and momentum on their side.