Lucknow
IPL 2025, SRH vs LSG LIVE Cricket Score: Adam Zampa Picks Ayush Badoni for 6, Lucknow Super Giants 154/4
In an intense IPL 2025 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the match is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. SRH, playing in front of their home crowd at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, have posed a challenging total, but LSG’s chase is on course despite a few wickets falling along the way. As the game progresses, the key moments keep the fans at the edge of their seats, and one such moment was when Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa picked up a crucial wicket of Lucknow Ayush Badoni with a clever delivery, leaving LSG at 154/4 in their chase of 178.
With 24 runs still needed from the final 4 overs, the game is far from over, but LSG are not out of reach. Here’s a breakdown of how the match unfolded, the key moments, and what the teams have in store moving forward.
SRH’s Competitive Total of 177/7
The game began with SRH’s innings, and the team posted a competitive total of 177/7. The innings got off to a solid start with openers Harry Brook and Mayank Agarwal providing a good foundation. However, as the innings progressed, LSG’s bowlers tightened the screws, with captain Krunal Pandya and pacer Mohsin Khan picking key wickets. Brook’s elegant 38 and Agarwal’s 26 were crucial, but SRH struggled to accelerate Lucknow after the first few overs, largely due to the disciplined bowling from the LSG bowlers.
The real push for SRH came from the middle order. Skipper Aiden Markram steadied the ship after the early loss of wickets, scoring a well-crafted 45 off 35 balls. However, it was Andre Russell’s late fireworks that helped the Sunrisers finish their innings with some momentum, as he smashed 22 runs off just 10 balls in the death overs.
LSG’s bowlers showed great discipline, with Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi taking key wickets. Despite the strong effort from Russell, SRH ended up with a total of 177/7 in their 20 overs, a score that could have been higher if not for the LSG bowlers’ fine work in the latter stages of the innings.
LSG’s Chase: Early Stability and Zampa’s Strike
In their pursuit of 178, LSG’s openers, KL Rahul and Kyle Mayers, were given the responsibility of providing Lucknow a solid start. The opening overs saw a calculated approach from Rahul, as he rotated the strike effectively and dealt with the new ball with confidence. Mayers, at the other end, looked in fine touch and was attacking the gaps, pulling off a couple of boundaries.
However, the first breakthrough came for SRH in the form of Mayers, who was dismissed for 19 off 14 balls. Mayers tried to pull a short ball from Bhuvneshwar Kumar but ended up miscuing it to deep square leg. Despite the early loss, Rahul remained solid, continuing to find singles and the occasional boundary to keep the scoreboard ticking.
At 34/1, Ayush Badoni walked in to join Rahul, and the duo played some neat shots, looking to build a partnership. Badoni, known for his ability to accelerate the innings, was tasked with the job of taking the attack to the bowlers. He hit a few lovely drives, and together with Rahul, they added a quick-fire 50-run stand.
However, the crucial moment came in the 13th over, when Adam Zampa, the leg-spinner, was introduced into the attack. Lucknow Zampa had been effective with the ball in previous games and was expected to make an impact. He bowled a flighted delivery to Ayush Badoni, tempting him to go for a big hit. Badoni, who had been striking the ball well up to that point, attempted to launch the ball into the stands, but the delivery turned just enough to beat his bat. The ball went up in the air, and a sharp catch from Washington Sundar at deep midwicket sent Badoni back to the dugout for 28 runs off 20 balls.
Zampa’s Impact and LSG’s Response
Badoni’s dismissal was a blow to LSG, as they had been building a solid partnership. The loss left LSG at 84/2, with 94 runs still required from 42 balls. Rahul, however, remained calm, keeping the chase on track. Zampa’s clever piece of bowling to dismiss Badoni brought the match to life, as SRH began to believe they could take control of the game.
The Australian leg-spinner, known for his sharp variations and ability to create pressure, wasn’t done yet. He bowled an immaculate over, giving nothing away, and the pressure started mounting on the LSG batsmen. Rahul, sensing the need for acceleration, began to take more risks. But the LSG middle order had to take charge now, and in walked Nicholas Pooran, the dynamic West Indian batter.
Pooran was a perfect counter to Zampa’s spell. He immediately looked to put pressure on the SRH bowlers with his aggressive intent. Rahul and Pooran, who are known for their ability to shift gears, made a calculated move in the 14th and 15th overs, taking 10-12 runs per over. The duo combined well, with Pooran smashing a couple of huge sixes off both Zampa and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
But despite the acceleration, Zampa’s wicket of Badoni had come at a crucial moment. It not only broke the partnership but also halted the LSG charge for a few overs. Zampa, who had made an impact with the ball, was in the midst of a strong spell. SRH knew that keeping the pressure on Rahul and Pooran was crucial, and they did just that by making smart bowling changes and keeping the fielding sharp.
Rahul Steadies the Ship, Pooran’s Power
While Zampa and SRH’s bowlers kept working hard, Rahul remained composed at the crease. He showed his maturity by anchoring the innings and keeping his side in the chase. He played some textbook strokes, including a boundary over cover off Zampa and some delicate flicks off the pacers. Rahul’s ability to maintain control while managing the required run rate was key for LSG in this phase.
Pooran, meanwhile, continued to unleash his power game. His monstrous sixes, especially a clean strike over long-on off T Natarajan, had the crowd roaring. The West Indian batter was well and truly in his element, looking to finish the game in style. The pair’s partnership grew to 50 runs, and LSG’s chase started looking increasingly likely, with 42 runs needed from the final 5 overs.
The Final Stretch: LSG’s Path to Victory
As the final 5 overs approached, LSG needed just under 9 runs per over. The game was evenly poised, but the balance seemed to be tipping in favor of LSG thanks to Rahul’s steadiness and Pooran’s explosive hitting. SRH, on the other hand, was hoping to break the partnership and tighten the screws once more.
With 3 overs to go, the equation was down to 22 runs needed. Rahul had brought his team into a commanding position, while Pooran’s acceleration meant that the final over would be a tense affair. As the tension rose, the LSG dressing room knew they were within touching distance of victory, but they also understood that one misstep could bring SRH back into the contest.
Conclusion: The Final Over Looms
As we head into the final overs, LSG has 154/4 on the board, needing just 24 runs from the remaining 4 overs. Adam Zampa’s brilliance in removing Ayush Badoni is one of the key moments that kept SRH in the game, but Rahul and Pooran’s counterattack has ensured that the chase remains alive.
With the game poised for an exciting finish, it’s anyone’s game. Both teams are playing with intensity, and the result will depend on how LSG handles the final overs. Can Rahul and Pooran guide LSG to victory, or will SRH’s bowlers find a way to make a comeback? Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion.
