N Pooran and M Marsh powered their respective teams to emphatic victories over (SRH) after an early onslaught by Shardul Thakur

Pooran's Carnage Overshadows SRH's Big Hopes Before the match, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were tipped to possibly break the 300-run barrier in IPL history. The hype was justified: after a record-breaking IPL 2024, SRH had kicked off their 2025 campaign with a mammoth 286 for 6 in their opener, also at home in Hyderabad. To make things even more promising for SRH, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were missing at least two of their frontline bowlers. But cricket, as always, had its own script. Forget 300 — SRH couldn't even manage 200, crawling to 190 for 9. The main architect of their downfall was Shardul Thakur, whose brilliant spell of 4 for 34 — his best IPL figures — wrecked the top and middle order. Pooran’s Blazing Knock Steals the Show Despite SRH's disappointing total, 190 was still competitive on most days. But Nicholas Pooran had other plans. He made the target look like a cakewalk, smashing a jaw-dropping 70 off just 26 balls. His innings included six fours and six sixes, and his fearless hitting dismantled the SRH bowling attack. By the time Pat Cummins managed to trap him lbw, the game was all but sealed, with LSG needing just 71 runs from 68 balls. Pooran’s clean and brutal hitting was a masterclass in power-hitting, as he single-handedly wiped out any remaining hope for SRH. Shardul's All-Round Brilliance While Pooran’s innings took the spotlight, Shardul Thakur also played a pivotal role, not only with the ball but also by providing crucial breakthroughs that halted SRH’s momentum. Key Moments: Shardul’s Magic Spell: 4 for 34 to put brakes on SRH’s innings. Pooran’s Fireworks: Quickfire 70 off 26 balls to finish the chase early. SRH's Missed Opportunity: From potential record-breakers to a below-par score. LSG’s dominant performance once again showcased the unpredictable nature of cricket, where form, expectations, and hype can all be overturned by one blistering innings or a decisive spell. Marsh and Pooran Seal the Deal for LSG While Nicholas Pooran was the clear star of the night, his partner in crime, Mitchell Marsh, played an invaluable supporting role. Marsh, who initially played second fiddle to Pooran’s power-hitting, also notched up a well-constructed fifty. Their partnership not only stabilized the innings but also kept the scoring rate sky-high. After Pooran’s dismissal, it was Abdul Samad who stepped up to finish the chase with finesse. LSG hunted down the target with 23 balls and five wickets to spare, giving SRH a taste of their own medicine. It was at this very venue last season where Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma had chased down LSG’s 165 in just 9.4 overs. This time, LSG returned the favor with an even more dominant chase. Thakur Strikes Twice in Two Balls Knowing that early wickets were crucial against SRH’s explosive batting lineup, Shardul Thakur swung for success from the first over but had to wait for his second spell. In his next over, he struck twice in two balls to jolt SRH’s top order: Abhishek Sharma fell first, mistiming a pull shot and finding the fielder at deep square-leg. Ishan Kishan followed immediately, edging one down the leg side to the keeper. With SRH at 30 for 2, LSG had managed to put the brakes on an otherwise dangerous batting unit. Key Highlights: Mitchell Marsh’s Support Act: A composed fifty that complemented Pooran’s fireworks. Shardul Thakur’s Double Strike: Back-to-back dismissals of Abhishek and Kishan to swing momentum. LSG’s Ruthless Chase: Finishing with 23 balls to spare, sending a strong statement to other teams. LSG’s collective performance, marked by individual brilliance from Pooran, Marsh, and Thakur, showcased why they are a force to be reckoned with this season.