Mitchell Marsh, Prince Yadav Star in LSG’s Dramatic DLS Victory

Lucknow Super Giants kept their fading playoff hopes alive with a thrilling nine-run DLS victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a rain-hit IPL clash on Thursday, thanks to a stunning century from Mitchell Marsh and a decisive spell from young pacer Prince Yadav.

After suffering six consecutive defeats, LSG finally produced a complete performance to secure their first home win of the season in a contest interrupted three times by rain. The delays reduced the match to 19 overs per side, with RCB set a revised DLS target of 213 after LSG posted 209 for 3.

Marsh dominated the evening with one of the finest knocks of the tournament, smashing 111 off just 56 balls with nine fours and nine sixes. The Australian opener attacked from the outset, dismantling the RCB bowling attack with fearless strokeplay. He particularly targeted Josh Hazlewood early, launching towering sixes and racing to his fastest IPL fifty in only 20 deliveries.

Marsh added 95 runs for the opening wicket with Arshin Kulkarni before stitching together another rapid stand with Nicholas Pooran, who contributed a brisk 38. Despite repeated rain interruptions, Marsh maintained his aggressive approach and brought up a memorable century in style.

LSG skipper Rishabh Pant then provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 32 off 10 balls , helping the hosts cross the 200-run mark.

RCB’s chase began disastrously as veteran pacer Mohammed Shami removed Jacob Bethell early before Prince Yadav produced a brilliant delivery to clean bowl to Virat Kohli for a duck, Kohli's first IPL duck since 2023.

Reduced to 9 for 2, RCB fought back through a 95-run partnership between Devdutt Padikkal and captain Rajat Patidar, who smashed 61 off 31 balls to revive the chase.

However, Pant’s decision to reintroduce Prince changed the match. The pacer dismissed Padikkal and Jitesh Sharma in quick succession before Patidar also departed, triggering a collapse.

Late hitting from Tim David, Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd kept RCB alive, but Digvesh Rathi defended 20 runs in the final over to seal a much-needed victory for LSG.