Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured a tense nine-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Ekana Stadium on May 7, keeping their playoff hopes alive. The win denied the defending champions a chance to return to the top of the table, as Rishabh Pant’s side successfully defended 219 in a game reduced to 19 overs per side due to rain.
At the heart of LSG’s effort was Mitchell Marsh, whose outstanding 111 off 56 deliveries laid the foundation on a surface offering pace and bounce.
Marsh Sets Up the Contest
Despite frequent changes at the top due to injuries, Marsh remained a constant for LSG and delivered his second fifty-plus score of the season in style. He reached his half-century in just 20 balls and brought up his hundred in 49 deliveries — the fastest for LSG since the franchise’s inception.
While his opening partner Arshin Kulkarni struggled for fluency, LSG still raced to 95 without loss in nine overs before a brief rain interruption. Kulkarni eventually fell for 17 soon after the restart, but Marsh continued his aggressive approach.
He took on both pace and spin, striking freely against Josh Hazlewood as well as Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya. Ninety of his 111 runs came in boundaries, highlighting his dominance. A late cameo from captain Rishabh Pant — 32 off 10 balls — ensured a strong finish, with LSG scoring 64 runs in the last five overs to post 219.
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Prince Yadav Turns the Game
RCB’s chase gained momentum through Rajat Patidar, who launched a counterattack with a rapid half-century off 26 balls. From 60 for 2 in seven overs, RCB surged with a 44-run burst over the next three overs.
However, Prince Yadav swung the contest back in LSG’s favour with a decisive spell. He first dismissed Devdutt Padikkal with a slower delivery before removing Jitesh Sharma with a sharp bouncer, reducing RCB’s chances significantly.
Patidar’s dismissal shortly after, following a flurry of sixes, effectively sealed LSG’s third win of the season.
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Shahbaz and Bowlers Hold Nerve
Shahbaz Ahmed made a strong impact in just his second appearance of the season. He removed Patidar and later dismissed Tim David, halting RCB’s late charge.
With 33 needed off 12 balls, Krunal Pandya briefly reignited hope with consecutive sixes. But Digvesh Rathi held his composure in the final over, conceding only one boundary as LSG ended a six-match losing streak.
What’s Next for the Teams
The result leaves RCB third on the table with 12 points, their position secured by a superior net run rate over Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans. LSG, meanwhile, remain at the bottom but stay mathematically in contention for the playoffs.
RCB now head to Raipur for their final home fixtures, beginning with a clash against Mumbai Indians on May 10. LSG will travel to Chennai to face Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on the same day.
