Match 16 of IPL 2025 brought cricket fans another intense battle, as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) took on Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Ekana Stadium on Friday, April 4. In a thrilling contest that went right down to the wire LSG edged out MI by 12 runs in a high-scoring game.

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Batting first LSG put up a strong total of 203/8 in 20 overs, thanks to solid half-centuries from Mitchell Marsh (60 off 31) and Aiden Markram (53 off 38). A late flourish from David Miller helped them go beyond the 200 mark.Despite a strong bowling effort from Hardik Pandya, who bagged an impressive 5/36, MI couldn’t stop the flow of runs.

Chasing 204 MI got off to a good start with Suryakumar Yadav smashing 67 off 43 balls and Naman Dhir contributing 46 off 24. But a surprise decision to retire out Tilak Varma after a slow 25 (23) shifted the momentum. MI eventually finished at 191/5 falling just short.

Here’s What the Captains and Player of the Match Said Post-Match:

Rishabh Pant, LSG Captain:

"The wicket is playing well and we need to figure out what's working for us and what not. We wanted a different kind of wicket before and then we decided whatever is on offer, we play on that. When you get a good start, you are always ahead of the game. The idea is to play according to the situation. The start Marsh gave helped lower middle capitalise on that. Mentally tough game, they did not lose a lot of wickets and kept on going. But we kept our calm and finished the game. [Thakur] has been amazing for us, he has been an amazing pick. Hope he continues. [Rathi] one of our leading bowlers. The way he keeps calm in tough situation helps us."

Hardik Pandya, MI Captain:

"It has been disappointing when you lose. If we have to be honest, on the field, we gave away 10-15 runs on that wicket. I have always enjoyed my bowling. I don't think I have many options. I try to read the wicket and try some smart options. I don’t try to go for wickets. I try to bowl dot balls and let the batters take risks. I think as a batting unit, we fell short. We win as a team. We lose as a team. Don't want to point someone out. The ownership has to be taken by the whole batting unit. I take full ownership. It was obvious. We needed some hits. In cricket, some of those days come. When you try but it doesn't come off. Just play good cricket. I like to keep it simple. Take better calls. Be smart in bowling. Take chances in batting. Play simple cricket with some aggression. As it is a long tournament, couple of wins and we might get into the rhythm."

Digvesh Rathi, Player of the Match:

"I am really enjoying it. My bowling is such that I like to take wickets. I saw Sunil Narine bowl and since then I like bowling. I want to make my mindset more attacking like Sunil Narine. Like he takes pressure for the team."