IPL 2026 LSG vs SRH: A fiery opening spell from Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) Mohammed Shami and a composed knock from skipper Rishabh Pant guided the team to a clinical 5-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in an IPL 2026 clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday.
LSG, chasing a modest target of 157, reached 160/5 in 19.5 overs, with Pant leading from the front with a calm, unbeaten 68 off 50 deliveries.
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Rishabh Pant batting splendidly in the match[/caption]
Shami strikes early, leaves dent on SRH
Opting to bowl first, Pant’s decision paid immediate dividends. Shami wreaked havoc at the top, dismissing Abhishek Sharma for a duck and removing Travis Head cheaply to leave SRH reeling early. Further blows from the LSG attack, including a sharp effort from Prince Yadav, saw SRH slump to 24/4 within eight overs, putting them firmly on the back foot.
IPL 2026 LSG vs SRH: Klaasen, Reddy script recovery
Rescue came in the form of Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who stitched together a vital 116-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Klaasen produced a blistering 62 off 41 balls, while Reddy impressed with a brisk 56 off 33 deliveries. However, late breakthroughs ensured SRH were restricted to a modest 156/9 in 20 overs.
Pant anchors chase with dominance
Batting at No.3, Pant played the perfect anchor’s role. Eschewing unnecessary risks, he rotated the strike effectively and found boundaries when required, finishing with nine fours and no sixes. Despite losing wickets at intervals, LSG remained in control, logging 81/2 at the halfway stage before Pant ensured there were no late hiccups. Meanwhile, Aiden Markram, facing his former franchise, provided early momentum with a stylish 45 off 27 balls.
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Rishabh Pant's knocks in the match[/caption]
LSG open IPL 2026 account in style
Notably, the victory marks LSG’s first points of the IPL 2026 season, achieved by means of a disciplined bowling display and a measured chase led by their captain. For SRH, despite Klaasen-Reddy’s valiant efforts, early setbacks and a below-par total proved costly as they fell short in defending their score.
Also read: IPL 2026: SKY’s 50 for MI goes in vain as Rizvi’s 90 powers DC to the top of the table