TATA IPL 2025 Final Preview: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Who Will Win?

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TATA IPL 2025 Final Preview: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Who Will Win? The TATA IPL 2025 season has produced some great excitement, drama, and unforgettable performances. New bold decisions at captaincy, brilliant batting, and of course new stars emerging on the cricket horizon have had fans talking about this season. As we look forward to the IPL 2025 Final, we have an exciting showdown in front of us, as PBKS and RCB are both fighting to win their first IPL title. IPL 2025 Season Snapshot The IPL 2025 Indian Premier League season featured a total of ten teams, who continually battled against each other for playoff spots during the season. Both Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are historically great franchises, but they brought hints of greatness in all their games and the stories of PBKS and RCB as turnaround teams from last season stood out in the IPL 2025 fairly, with fresh new energy, smart leadership, and consistent delivering of their pl...

IPL 2025: LSG Stun Gujarat Titans with a 33-Run Victory Led by Mitchell Marsh’s Heroics

IPL 2025: LSG Stun Gujarat Titans with a 33-Run Victory Led by Mitchell Marsh’s Heroics

In an electrifying clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 22, 2025, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) surprised everyone and created an upset by defeating the Gujarat Titans (GT) by 33 runs in Match 64 of IPL 2025. Although LSG were already out of the playoffs, they showed spirit and intent and rendered GT's winning momentum come to an abrupt halt just before the knockouts.

Mitchell Marsh’s Maiden IPL Century Steals the Show

Mitchell Marsh was undoubtedly the star of the night, tearing into a blistering 117 off just 64 balls, during his first IPL century, and right at this important time for LSG's pride and morale. His innings consisted of clean hitting coupled with smart rotating of strike and aggressive intent. Marsh's ferocious innings was backed nicely by Aiden Markram's fluent 36 off 24 balls.

The two of them set up a partnership that was pivotal in compiling a mammoth total. At the end of their innings, LSG had set GT a target of 236 after scoring 235/2 - the highest total of their season. Marsh's innings was a personal milestone as well as a statement of capability from the LSG batting lineup.

Shahrukh Khan's fireworks fall short as the Gujarat Titans struggle under immense pressure

The challenge set for the Gujarat Titans was always going to be tough. They settled for a poor start in response to a formidable target, immediately on the back foot after the early loss of their openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. Somebody needed to wear the trousers in the middle-order, but irrespective of time or pace, pressure continued to build.

Sherfane Rutherford played well for a fighting 38 off 22 deliveries and Shahrukh Khan registered a brilliant 57 off just 29 deliveries, but the order around them fell nowhere to the disciplined bowling attack of LSG as wasted starts and dismissals led to 202/9 in 20 overs.

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Points table carnage - top-two finish for GT in jeopardy

The chastening defeat is a crucial one and puts the Gujarat Titans in jeopardy after leading the points table heading into the match. They had already qualified for the playoffs, but a top-two finish is in doubt. If teams finished in the top two, there is a second chance and an opportunity to play in Qualifier 1 - a date most coveted!  Now, as well as having to rely on other results, it is likely the net run rate could come to play for them if they are to somehow obtain a top-two finish!

Off-field drama: The handshake between Gill and Pant has thawed the internet

However, there was a curious moment (off the scorecard) that caught the attention of fans, social media, and likely every gossip column. After the match, when GT captain Shubman Gill shook hands with LSG's Rishabh Pant, what should have been a routine gesture became a talking point. Some viewers characterized it as nothing more than a friendly shake, while others conjectured there was tension beneath the surface that added spice to the match.

Next Steps for Both Teams

For LSG, even if they have been out of playoff contention, their spirited showing continues to showcase their depth and resilience. Mitchell Marsh's innings could be a good platform for next season. For GT, their road to the IPL trophy now requires readjustments and focus. As playoffs loom, the Titans will want to tighten up their game, namely their middle-order batting, to be a live contender for the title.

Chak De IPL.!!!

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