Mitchell Marsh’s Century Powers LSG to 33-Run Win Over Gujarat Titans; Playoff Hopes Fade Despite Consolation Victory

Gujarat Titans missed a crucial opportunity to lock in a top-two finish as the Lucknow Super Giants secured a morale-boosting 33-run win on Thursday. The victory was anchored by Mitchell Marsh’s explosive maiden IPL century — a blazing 117 off just 64 balls — propelling LSG to a commanding 235/2.

Despite a promising start, the Titans faltered in the chase and managed only 202/9 in their 20 overs. New Zealand pacer Will O'Rourke, stepping in for the injured Mayank Yadav, delivered a standout performance with figures of 3/27, playing a key role in tightening the screws on GT’s batting lineup.

Team owner Sanjiv Goenka later expressed his joy on social media, writing:

“Congratulations to @LucknowIPL and @RishabhPant17 on returning to winning ways. Outstanding debut by William O’Rourke, our newest Super Giant. A heartfelt salute to @gujarat-_titans for wearing lavender — a powerful gesture in the fight against cancer. Sport truly unites us for greater causes. #LSGvsGT”

However, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant acknowledged that the team’s overall inconsistency and untimely injuries cost them a place in the playoffs.

“We’ve shown flashes of quality cricket throughout the season, but missed out in key moments. That’s just how the game goes sometimes,” Pant said during the post-match presentation.

Pant also noted how injuries to several key bowlers hampered their campaign. LSG started the season without Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, and Mayank Yadav. Though Shardul Thakur was signed mid-season and a few players returned later, Mayank could only play two matches before being sidelined again.

“We didn’t dwell on injuries, but they did affect our rhythm,” Pant admitted. “While our batting clicked, fielding lapses hurt us. No excuses — we just want to reflect, learn, and grow from this.”

In Thursday’s match, LSG delivered one of their most complete performances. Marsh’s stunning knock set the tone, and the bowlers capitalised by dismantling Gujarat’s top order early in the powerplay. Shahrukh Khan’s late resistance provided GT some hope, but the steep target proved too high.

“It was crucial to get their top three out early. Shahrukh gave them a glimmer, but we knew the score was above par. Full credit to our bowlers for holding their nerve,” Pant added.

As IPL 2025 heads towards its final stages, Lucknow’s win may not change their playoff fate, but it offered fans a glimpse of their potential — and a reminder of what could have been.