TATA IPL Live Cricket Score (IPL) 2025, held on April 4, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, was a pulsating encounter between the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and the Mumbai Indians (MI). As the tournament gained momentum, this clash between two heavyweight franchises showcased high-octane cricket, individual brilliance, and a thrilling finish. LSG emerged victorious by 12 runs in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final ball. Here’s an in-depth report of the match, including live score updates, standout performances, and tactical insights.
Pre-Match Build-Up
Heading into the 16th match, both teams were under pressure to solidify their positions on the IPL 2025 points table. LSG, led by the dynamic Rishabh Pant, had experienced a mixed campaign so far, with two wins and two losses in their first four games. Their most recent defeat at home to Punjab Kings had heightened the urgency for a turnaround, especially with Pant himself struggling for runs despite his record-breaking Rs 27 crore price tag. On the other hand, MI, captained by Hardik Pandya, arrived in Lucknow with a flicker of hope after a commanding win over Kolkata Knight Riders, following two initial losses. Sitting at seventh and sixth respectively, both teams knew a victory could propel them into the top five and boost their campaign momentum.
The Ekana Stadium pitch, known for its black-soil characteristics, had evolved since its relaying before the 2023 ODI World Cup. While traditionally slower and spinner-friendly, it now offered good bounce and a batting-friendly surface, though bowlers could still exploit early movement. With dew expected to play a role later, MI skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to field first, hoping to chase under lights—a decision that would later come under scrutiny.
Lucknow Super Giants’ Innings: Marsh and Markram Set the Tone
Innings Break!#LSG set a target of 2️⃣0️⃣4️⃣ courtesy of half-centuries from Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram!
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 4, 2025
Will #MI register a consecutive win in #TATAIPL 2025?#LSGvMI pic.twitter.com/JrAG5JK1vn
LSG’s batting lineup, bolstered by international stars like Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran, alongside Pant and domestic talents like Ayush Badoni, took to the crease with intent. The innings began explosively, with Marsh and Markram forming a formidable opening partnership.
Live Score Update (5 overs): LSG 47/0 – Marsh 28* (18), Markram 17* (12)
Marsh wasted no time, smashing Deepak Chahar for 15 runs in the second over, including two fours and a six. His aggressive approach set the tone, while Markram played the anchor role early on, rotating the strike efficiently. MI’s decision to delay spin proved costly as the pacers struggled to contain the onslaught.
Live Score Update (10 overs): LSG 98/2 – Marsh 60 (31), Markram 35* (27)
The breakthrough came in the 11th over when Vignesh Puthur dismissed Marsh, who departed for a blistering 60 off 31 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes. His knock provided LSG with the momentum they needed. Nicholas Pooran (8) and Rishabh Pant (5) fell cheaply in quick succession to Hardik Pandya and Mitchell Santner, respectively, leaving LSG at 113/3 after 11.3 overs. Pant’s lean patch continued, raising questions about his form and captaincy pressure.
Live Score Update (15 overs): LSG 149/4 – Markram 50* (34), Badoni 25 (18)
Markram reached his fifty off 34 balls, stabilizing the innings with a mix of caution and aggression. Ayush Badoni joined him, and the duo forged a crucial 50-run stand. Badoni’s flair was on display with a scooped six off Ashwani Kumar, but his departure for 30 off 20 balls, caught behind off a wide yorker, handed MI a lifeline.
Live Score Update (20 overs): LSG 203/8 – Thakur 5* (3), Avesh 2* (1)
The final five overs saw Hardik Pandya turn the game with the ball. He dismissed Markram (53 off 38) in the 18th over and completed a sensational five-wicket haul (5/36) in the last over, removing David Miller (27 off 14) and Akash Deep (0). Miller’s late flourish, including a six off a low full toss, pushed LSG past 200. Despite the late collapse, LSG posted a competitive 203/8, thanks to Marsh’s fireworks, Markram’s resilience, and Miller’s cameo.
Hardik’s bowling was a masterclass in adaptability. “I don’t go for wickets but try to make batters make mistakes,” he later reflected, and his strategy of mixing pace-off deliveries with pinpoint yorkers paid dividends.
Mumbai Indians’ Chase: Suryakumar Shines, But Not Enough
Chasing 204, MI needed a solid start from openers Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton, especially with Rohit Sharma sidelined due to injury. However, LSG’s bowlers had other plans.
Live Score Update (5 overs): MI 35/2 – Suryakumar 18* (12), Naman Dhir 2* (3)
Akash Deep struck early, dismissing Jacks (5) in the second over, while Shardul Thakur removed Rickelton (10) in the third. At 19/2, MI were in trouble, but Suryakumar Yadav stepped up, launching a counterattack with a flurry of boundaries.
Live Score Update (10 overs): MI 100/3 – Suryakumar 46* (28), Tilak Varma 12* (14)
Suryakumar’s elegance was on full display as he reached his fifty off 34 balls, adapting to the slowing pitch with impeccable timing. Tilak Varma, however, struggled to find rhythm, prompting debates about his approach. The 50-run stand between the two kept MI in the hunt, though the required rate crept above 10.
Live Score Update (15 overs): MI 143/3 – Suryakumar 67 (43), Tilak 18* (22)
Suryakumar’s 67 off 43, including seven fours and two sixes, was a classic IPL knock, but his dismissal in the 16th over by Avesh Khan—caught by Abdul Samad under pressure—shifted the momentum. Hardik Pandya joined Tilak, and with 61 needed off 30 balls, the game was finely poised.
Strategic Timeout Insight: MI needed 79 off 42 balls, and Tilak’s lack of fluency led to a bold call—he retired out in the 19th over, replaced by Mitchell Santner. Shardul Thakur’s tight over (7 runs) left MI needing 22 off the final over.
Live Score Update (20 overs): MI 191/5 – Hardik 28* (16), Santner 2* (1)
Avesh Khan held his nerve in the death, conceding just 10 runs despite Hardik’s valiant effort (28* off 16, with two fours). MI finished at 191/5, falling 12 runs short. Digvesh Singh Rathi’s economical spell (1/21 in 4 overs) and Shardul’s discipline (1/30) were pivotal in LSG’s defense.
Key Performances
- Mitchell Marsh (LSG): 60 off 31 – A match-defining knock that set the platform for LSG’s total.
- Aiden Markram (LSG): 53 off 38 – A steady hand amidst the storm, anchoring the innings.
- Hardik Pandya (MI): 5/36 & 28* off 16 – A heroic all-round effort, though in vain.
- Suryakumar Yadav (MI): 67 off 43 – A lone warrior in MI’s chase, undone by lack of support.
- Digvesh Singh Rathi (LSG): 1/21 in 4 – The unsung hero with his thriftiness at crucial junctures.
Post-Match Analysis
LSG’s victory was a testament to their bowling depth and ability to adapt. Pant praised his bowlers, particularly Rathi: “He’s a phenomenal bowler and a bit of a character. We need such players who aren’t afraid to express themselves.” The decision to stick to yorkers rather than slower balls, despite MI’s success with the latter (5 wickets for 30 runs in 24 such deliveries), paid off handsomely.
For MI, Hardik Pandya remained philosophical: “We fell short as a batting unit. We win as a team, we lose as a team. I take full ownership.” The retirement of Tilak Varma was a tactical gamble that didn’t yield the desired big hits, highlighting MI’s middle-order woes. Suryakumar’s brilliance kept them alive, but the early losses and inability to finish strong underscored areas for improvement.
Points Table Impact
LSG’s win propelled them to sixth with four points from five games, while MI slipped to seventh with one win in four. The IPL 2025 race remained wide open, with every match proving critical in the tightly packed standings.
Looking Ahead
LSG will travel to Eden Gardens to face Kolkata Knight Riders, aiming to build on this momentum, while MI return home to Wankhede Stadium to take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a blockbuster clash on April 7. For Pant, the challenge remains to find his batting form, while Hardik will hope his all-round prowess inspires a batting revival.
Conclusion
The 16th match of IPL 2025 was a rollercoaster of emotions, blending individual brilliance with team resilience. LSG’s 12-run triumph over MI at Ekana Stadium reaffirmed their dominance over the five-time champions (now 6 wins in 7 meetings). As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more such thrillers, with live scores and updates keeping the cricketing world buzzing. The TATA IPL 2025 continues to deliver on its promise of unparalleled excitement, and this match was a shining example.
