Date: May 21, 2025
Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Match Number: 64th Match, IPL 2025
Introduction
As the TATA IPL 2025 heads toward its thrilling conclusion, Match 64 between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT) proved to be a high-stakes clash filled with excitement, turning points, and individual brilliance. With both teams eyeing a critical win to secure a playoff berth, this encounter was more than just another group stage game — it was a test of nerves, strategy, and execution.
Toss & Team News
Lucknow Super Giants won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision influenced by the dry conditions of the Lucknow pitch and the advantage of scoreboard pressure in a must-win game.
Lucknow Super Giants Playing XI:
KL Rahul (C), Quinton de Kock (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya, Ayush Badoni, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yash Thakur, Mohsin Khan, Deepak Hooda.
Gujarat Titans Playing XI:
Shubman Gill (C), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Sai Sudharsan, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Spencer Johnson, Vijay Shankar.
First Innings: Lucknow’s Batters Step Up
Lucknow posted a competitive 175/6 in 20 overs, thanks to a steady start by the openers and a powerful finish from the middle order. Quinton de Kock set the tone early with a fluent 41 off 28 balls, while Nicholas Pooran smashed 52 off just 25 balls, showcasing his signature power-hitting.
Rashid Khan was the standout bowler for Gujarat Titans, picking up 2 wickets for 24 runs in his 4 overs, once again proving why he’s one of the most valuable assets in T20 cricket.
Second Innings: GT’s Chase Falters Under Pressure
In reply, Gujarat Titans never quite found their rhythm. Despite Shubman Gill’s 38 off 30 balls and a late surge from Rahul Tewatia, GT fell short of the target by 15 runs, ending their innings at 160/8.
Yash Thakur’s disciplined bowling (3/27) and Bishnoi’s crucial middle-over strikes ensured GT couldn’t recover after early setbacks. It was a textbook example of LSG’s bowling unit working in tandem.
Turning Point of the Match
The turning point came in the 17th over of GT’s chase. With 42 runs needed off 24 balls, Naveen-ul-Haq removed the dangerous David Miller and Tewatia was left with too much to do. That over tilted the match in Lucknow’s favor decisively.
Player of the Match: Nicholas Pooran
With his match-winning knock of 52 off 25 balls, Nicholas Pooran was named Player of the Match. His fearless hitting in the death overs gave LSG the cushion they needed.
Points Table Impact
With this win, Lucknow Super Giants jumped to 4th place on the points table, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, now face a must-win scenario in their final game and will also depend on net run rate and other match results.
Fan Reactions & Expert Opinions
Cricket Twitter exploded after the match, with fans praising Pooran’s maturity and LSG’s tight death bowling. Former cricketers like Harbhajan Singh and Michael Vaughan also lauded KL Rahul’s captaincy, especially his decision to bowl Mohsin Khan in the 19th over — a gamble that paid off.
What’s Next?
Lucknow Super Giants will next face the Mumbai Indians, while Gujarat Titans lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a virtual knockout. As the playoff race intensifies, every ball counts.
Conclusion
The 64th match of IPL 2025 between Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans was a cricketing spectacle that offered everything fans could hope for — thrill, drama, and high-quality performances. With the playoffs just around the corner, this encounter added yet another memorable chapter to IPL’s rich legacy.