Nicholas Pooran delivered a breathtaking knock, smashing 70 runs off just 26 balls to register the fastest fifty of IPL 2025 so far. His explosive innings played an important role in securing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) a much-needed five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Thursday, March 27.
Pooran received strong support from Mitchell Marsh, who played a blistering knock of 52 off just 31 balls. Pooran smashed a fifty in just 18 balls, making it the fastest half-century of IPL 2025, so far. This knock is also the second-fastest fifty ever for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), only behind Pooran's own 15-ball fifty against RCB in Bengaluru during the 2023 IPL season.
After suffering a defeat in their opening match against Delhi Capitals, LSG was under pressure to bounce back, and Pooran's fireworks ensured they did just that.
Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran Star for LSG
The unbeaten 116-run partnership between Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran is now the highest-ever stand for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the second wicket or lower. This record-breaking stand surpassed the previous best of 111 runs set by KL Rahul and Deepak Hooda against RR in Lucknow during last year's IPL.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, batting first, posted 190/9. Travis Head led the scoring with 47 runs, while Aniket Verma's explosive 36 off just 13 balls gave SRH a late boost. Shardul Thakur was the pick of the bowlers for Lucknow, bagging four wickets. Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi, and Prince Yadav took a wicket each.
SRH got off to a shaky start as Shardul Thakur struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Abhishek Sharma (6) and Ishan Kishan (0) on consecutive deliveries. A 61-run stand between Travis Head (47 off 28, 5 fours, 3 sixes) and Nitish Reddy (32 off 28) steadied the innings before Head was bowled by Prince Yadav. Heinrich Klaasen added 26 off 17 before being run out. Aniket Verma then stole the show with a blistering 36 at a strike rate of 300, smashing five sixes before falling to Digvesh Singh. Abhinav Manohar (2) fell cheaply, but captain Pat Cummins (18 off 4, 3 sixes) provided fireworks at the death. Harshal Patel remained unbeaten on 12 off 11 as SRH finished at 190/9.
Key Moments of the Match
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) faced a daunting target of 191 runs after SRH posted a respectable total. However, Pooran's explosive batting made the chase look effortless. He reached his fifty with a massive six over square-leg, showcasing his aggressive intent throughout the innings. Pooran's innings was characterized by a stunning strike rate of 269.23, as he hit 6 fours and 6 sixes during his time at the crease.
At the time of Pooran's dismissal, LSG was in a commanding position, having raced to 124/2 in just 9.1 overs. Pooran was eventually dismissed LBW by Pat Cummins, but by then, the damage was already done. His innings had put LSG firmly in control of the chase.
“We will bowl first. I think we got to get them out early and look to chase the target. It depends on the team combination; that’s why we want to bowl first,” LSG skipper Rishabh Pant stated. Confident in their batting lineup, he added, “We gonna chase whatever they score, doesn’t matter.” SRH captain Pat Cummins expressed confidence despite batting first. “It doesn’t change the way our boys go about it, we always try to be positive… Even going for 10 or 11 runs in an over can be match-winning some days,” Cummins remarked.
Fastest Fifties in IPL 2025
Pooran's 18-ball fifty is the fastest in IPL 2025, surpassing the previous record held by Jake Fraser-McGurk, who scored a fifty in 20 balls against Rajasthan Royals. Abhishek Sharma also made headlines with a 22-ball fifty against Delhi Capitals earlier in the season.
Pooran's performance has not only set records but also showcased his elite T20 finishing skills. If he continues this form, LSG will be a strong title contender this season. Fans and experts alike have praised Pooran's explosive batting style, with former cricketer Michael Vaughan stating, “Pooran can change fortunes on his own.”
As LSG prepares for their next match against Punjab Kings on April 1, 2025, all eyes will be on Pooran to see if he can maintain his incredible form.
Match Summary
- Nicholas Pooran scored 70 runs off 26 balls, registering the fastest fifty of IPL 2025 on March 27, 2025.
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured a five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
- Mitchell Marsh played a knock of 52 runs off 31 balls.
- Pooran's fifty came in just 18 balls, making it the second-fastest fifty in LSG history.
- The unbeaten partnership of 116 runs between Marsh and Pooran is the highest for LSG for the second wicket or lower.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad posted 190/9, with Travis Head scoring 47 runs.
- Shardul Thakur took four wickets for LSG.
- SRH struggled early with the loss of key batsmen, but managed to post a competitive total.
- LSG's explosive batting led by Pooran secured a comfortable victory.
