By Chirag - May 19, 2025 10:24 AM
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 resumes following a week-long suspension, the stakes are high for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who host SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Monday, May 19.
LSG are still in the hunt for a playoff berth and cannot afford any more slip-ups. With 10 points from 11 matches, they are currently placed seventh on the table. To get to 16 points and remain in the running for the playoffs, they need to win every game they have left.
On the other side, SRH has already been eliminated. It has been a dismal season for the Hyderabad side, with only three wins in 11 games, putting them at the bottom of the table with just seven points. Despite their playoff hopes being over, they’ll aim to play spoilsport and finish their campaign on a high.
As both teams clash in a high-stakes battle, here’s a look at three batters who could emerge as top run-scorers in this encounter:
Image Source: IPL-X
This season, Nicholas Pooran, a wicketkeeper-batter, has been Lucknow's most impressive batsman. The left-hander has racked up 410 runs in 11 games at an impressive average of 41 and a staggering strike rate of 200.98. His tally includes four half-centuries, with his aggressive style providing crucial momentum to the team.
However, Pooran’s recent form has dipped slightly—he managed just six runs in their previous outing against Punjab Kings. Still, fans will remember his blistering 70 off 26 deliveries in their earlier clash against SRH this season, where he struck six fours and six sixes at a strike rate nearing 270.
As LSG face a do-or-die scenario, Pooran will be expected to anchor their batting effort and deliver another impactful innings.
Image Source: IPL-X
Mitchell Marsh, an all-rounder from Australia, has also been a vital batsman for LSG. As an opener, he has accumulated 378 runs from 10 innings, averaging 37.80 and scoring at a strike rate of 155.55. With four fifties this season, Marsh has provided solid starts, although he hasn’t reached the milestone in the last five matches.
In their previous meeting with SRH, Marsh played a crucial role, scoring 52 off 31 balls with seven boundaries and two sixes. After the break, he will be keen to return to form and help his team gain early control in the powerplay overs.
If Marsh gets going, he could set the foundation for a strong total or a successful chase.
Image Source: IPL-X
Despite SRH’s poor run this season, young opener Abhishek Sharma has been a bright spot. With 314 runs from 10 innings, including a century and a half-century, he leads the scoring charts for Hyderabad. His strike rate of 180.45 reflects his ability to take the game away from the opposition in quick time.
In his last game prior to suspension, Abhishek hammered 74 off only 41 balls against Gujarat Titans, hitting four boundaries and clearing the ropes six times. Though he was dismissed cheaply (for 6 runs) in their previous clash against LSG, he’ll be eager to make amends this time around.
With nothing to lose, Abhishek could play with freedom, making him a dangerous prospect for the LSG bowlers.
With contrasting stakes for both sides—playoff survival for LSG and pride for SRH—this clash promises to be intense. The performances of Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, and Abhishek Sharma could well determine the outcome of this crucial fixture.
Also Read: LSG vs SRH IPL 2025: Head to Head, Playing 11 and AI Prediction
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