Mitchell Marsh’s Blazing Century Stuns Gujarat Titans: Lucknow Super Giants Playoffs Exit Turns Into Statement Win!

Mitchell Marsh Century vs Gujarat Titans IPL 2025 : A few days ago, team owner Sanjiv Goenka delivered a heartfelt message to his players: “Play with pride, play with purpose. Finish strong, and return home with your heads held high.” That message was echoed by stand-in captain Rishabh Pant, and on Thursday night at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Lucknow answered that call in style.

They didn’t just play well – they dismantled the table-toppers Gujarat Titans at their own fortress.

Mitchell Marsh played like a man possessed. The Australian all-rounder, often criticized for inconsistency, rose to the occasion with his bat, scoring his maiden IPL century – the first by a foreign player this season. For a tournament that’s been dominated by Indian batters in the Orange Cap race, Marsh’s ton was a timely reminder of what overseas stars can still bring to the table.

He wasn’t alone. Nicholas Pooran finally found his rhythm again, unleashing his power game with confidence. Along with Aiden Markram, the trio led Lucknow’s onslaught, smashing Gujarat’s bowling attack to all parts of the ground. Their fearless hitting helped the team post a mammoth 235 – their second-highest score in IPL history.

The irony? Lucknow looked better without the weight of qualification hopes on their shoulders. From the first ball, their batting exuded freedom. No pressure. No fear. Just intent. That clarity brought out the best in their players.

On the bowling front, too, Lucknow showed intent and discipline. Gujarat’s famed top order – the Gill-Sudarshan-Buttler trio – had been instrumental in their success this season. All three rank among the top six in the Orange Cap list. But on Thursday, they couldn’t repeat their usual magic. Credit goes not just to the bowlers, but to Lucknow’s fielders. Two crucial catches in the deep helped break the backbone of Gujarat’s chase. Without those grabs, this story might have had a very different ending.

Akash Maharaj Singh emerged as one of the unsung heroes. Despite nursing an injured hand wrapped in bandages, the young pacer clean-bowled Jos Buttler with a peach of a delivery. That moment symbolized Lucknow’s attitude – no excuses, just performance.

Earlier this season, Gujarat had chased down 201 runs on this very ground. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan were in devastating form. So, despite putting up 235, Pant knew the game was far from over. His plan? Attack in the powerplay, break the rhythm early. It worked. His bowling changes were spot on. His field placements showed a deep understanding of the opposition’s strengths. It was one of his sharpest outings as captain this season.

Despite a late surge by Shahrukh Khan and Sherfane Rutherford, Gujarat fell short. The defeat may prove costly for them in the race to finish in the top two – especially if Punjab and Bangalore win their remaining matches. This loss could push Gujarat into the eliminator rather than the qualifier.

After the match, Goenka remained upbeat. “We’re out of the playoffs, yes. But there’s a lot to be proud of tonight,” he said. And he’s right. The players didn’t just respond – they put on a show.

It begs the question – if this version of Lucknow had shown up in earlier matches, would they have already secured a playoff spot? Pant and Goenka may be left wondering about what could have been.

But for now, they’ve given their fans something to cheer for. Pride. Fight. Purpose. And a promise to finish with their heads held high.

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