Lucknow Super Giants kept their IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive with a hard-fought nine-run victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a rain-shortened contest at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Thursday night. The 19-overs-a-side clash produced another high-scoring thriller, with both teams crossing the 200-run mark.
After being asked to bat, LSG posted an impressive 209/3 in 19 overs. Mitchell Marsh led the charge with a sensational century, while Rishabh Pant added late momentum with a quick cameo in the final overs. In reply, RCB fought till the very end but finished on 203/6 despite a powerful innings from Rajat Patidar.
Mitchell Marsh Delivers a Captain’s Knock
Mitchell Marsh produced one of the finest innings of the season under pressure. Opening the innings, the Australian all-rounder attacked from the beginning and never allowed the RCB bowlers to settle.
He completed his half-century at rapid pace before converting it into a brilliant hundred. Marsh targeted both pace and spin effectively, finding boundaries consistently throughout the innings. His aggressive approach helped LSG recover from recent batting struggles and provided the foundation for a winning total.
Nicholas Pooran supported him well with a valuable middle-order contribution, while Rishabh Pant added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 32 from just 10 deliveries.
Prince Yadav Changes the Match Early
RCB’s chase suffered an early setback after Virat Kohli was dismissed for a duck. Young fast bowler Prince Yadav delivered a superb inswinging delivery that crashed into Kohli’s stumps and gave LSG early control.
RCB lost another wicket quickly, but Rajat Patidar counter-attacked brilliantly. The RCB skipper played aggressive strokes against both pace and spin and brought his side back into the contest with a rapid half-century.
However, Prince Yadav returned at a crucial stage and removed Devdutt Padikkal and Jitesh Sharma in the same over to shift momentum back towards LSG.
RCB’s Late Fight Falls Short
Even after losing wickets, RCB remained in the chase thanks to Tim David’s explosive finishing effort. Krunal Pandya also struck important boundaries in the final overs to keep the equation alive.
But LSG bowlers maintained composure under pressure. Shahbaz Ahmed picked up key wickets in the middle overs, while Digvesh Rathi delivered a calm final over to secure an important victory for the home side.
LSG Stay Alive in Playoff Race
The victory ended Lucknow Super Giants’ six-match losing streak and kept their playoff hopes mathematically alive. RCB, meanwhile, missed an opportunity to strengthen their position in the top four but remained third in the standings due to a better net run rate.
LSG will now look to build momentum in the final phase of the tournament, while RCB will aim to bounce back quickly in their upcoming fixtures.
Brief Score
Lucknow Super Giants: 209/3 (19 Overs)
- Mitchell Marsh – 111 (56)
- Nicholas Pooran – 38
- Rishabh Pant – 32* (10)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 203/6 (19 Overs)
- Rajat Patidar – 61
- Tim David – 40
- Prince Yadav – 3/33
- Shahbaz Ahmed – 2/33
Result: LSG won by 9 runs (DLS Method)
