Hardik Pandya showcased a sensational bowling performance as Mumbai Indians managed to restrict Lucknow Super Giants to 203 runs in their IPL 2025 clash on Friday. His five-wicket haul turned the tide just when Lucknow looked set for a bigger total.
The innings began on a high for Lucknow, with openers Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram setting a strong foundation. Marsh blazed his way to 60 off just 31 balls, while Markram added a solid 53 from 38 deliveries. However, things took a turn after the powerplay as Mumbai began to strike back.
Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant, two of Lucknow’s key middle-order hitters, were dismissed early, stalling their momentum. Ayush Badoni played a handy knock of 30 from 19 balls to keep the runs flowing, and David Miller chipped in with a late cameo of 27 off 14 balls, helping Lucknow post a competitive total. They also became just the second team, after Rajasthan Royals, to breach the 200-run mark at Ekana Stadium.
The highlight of the innings, however, was Pandya’s exceptional bowling. He returned with career-best T20 figures of 5/36 in four overs, dismantling the opposition’s middle and lower order. His wickets included big names—Markram, Pooran, Pant, Miller, and Akash Deep—all of whom are known for turning games around.
Having previously taken four-wicket hauls against teams like New Zealand and England, this was the first time Pandya picked up five wickets in a T20 match, marking a personal milestone and giving Mumbai Indians a crucial edge going into the second innings.
