MUMBAI: In what turned out to be a landmark performance, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya delivered a scintillating spell to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, steering his team back into the contest against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 16 of IPL 2025.
Playing at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Pandya's fiery spell of 5 for 36 dismantled the LSG middle order, marking a historic moment as he became the first captain in IPL history to register a five-wicket haul. His figures eclipsed his previous T20 best of 4 for 16, achieved against New Zealand in 2023.
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The Mumbai captain’s victims included high-impact batters such as Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Akash Deep—underscoring the quality and importance of his performance. Pandya’s sharp pace, clever variations, and disciplined lengths proved too good for the LSG batters, particularly on a pitch that offered subtle grip and bounce.
Despite Lucknow getting off to a blazing start—courtesy of Mitchell Marsh’s explosive 60 off just 31 balls—the tide turned once young spinner Vighnesh Puthur removed the Aussie opener. That breakthrough allowed Pandya to seize control. Pooran, who has been one of the most dangerous strikers this season, was dismissed shortly after Pandya came into the attack, followed by Pant’s departure in what’s now his fourth consecutive low score of the season.
LSG eventually posted 203/8 in their 20 overs, with Aiden Markram contributing a fluent 53. David Miller, who also fell to Pandya, acknowledged the quality of the bowling effort at the mid-innings break. “Hardik’s got more pace than people think. He was clever, held a good length, and used the pitch really well. A top-class spell,” said the South African.
Miller also commented on the conditions, noting that the surface was on the slower side: “It wasn’t the easiest pitch to bat on. Some deliveries stuck in the wicket. If our bowlers can execute their plans and use the variations we’ve discussed, we’re still in with a strong chance.”
The pitch, made of black soil, has traditionally aided spin and slower deliveries—something Mumbai Indians will aim to exploit in the second half. With 204 to chase, the spotlight will now shift to MI’s batting unit and whether they can complement their captain’s heroics with a much-needed win, especially in a venue where victories have historically eluded them.
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