Image credit: BCCI/IPL

NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans squandered a prime opportunity to secure a top-two finish on the points table as Lucknow Super Giants clinched a 33-run consolation win, thanks to Mitchell Marsh’s maiden IPL century on Thursday. Marsh powered LSG to an imposing total of 235 for 2 with a scintillating 117 off just 64 balls.The total proved too much for the Titans, who despite a strong start, were restricted to 202 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke, brought in as a replacement for the injured Mayank Yadav, impressed with figures of 3 for 27 and played a pivotal role in LSG’s bowling effort.

Following the victory, team owner Sanjiv Goenka shared a heartfelt message on social media.“Congratulations to @LucknowIPL and @RishabhPant17 on getting back to winning ways. Great performance by William O’Rourke, the newest member of the Super Giants family. An inspiring initiative by @gujarat_titans to continue the tradition of stepping out in lavender, a strong message of solidarity in the fight against cancer and a powerful reminder of how sport can unite us for greater causes. #LSGvsGT,” Goenka wrote.Despite the win, LSG captain Rishabh Pant acknowledged that the team’s inconsistency and missed chances during the season cost them a playoff spot.“We talk about playing good cricket, we’ve shown on occasion we can do that. There were times in the tournament where we had our chances to make the play offs. (but didn’t make it), but it’s part and parcel of the game,” Pant said in the post-match presentation.

Pant also pointed out how injuries, especially among key bowlers, affected the team’s campaign. LSG began the season without Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, and Mayank Yadav.While Shardul Thakur was brought in mid-season and both Avesh and Akash returned, Mayank played only two matches before being ruled out again.“Coming into the tournament, there were lot of injury concerns. We made sure it’s something we wouldn’t talk about it.“The whole batting unit has played, we lacked a bit on the fielding side. We can’t make excuses, just want to learn and move on.”Against Gujarat Titans, LSG delivered one of their most complete performances of the season. Marsh’s explosive ton laid the foundation, and the bowlers capitalised by dismantling GT’s top order inside the powerplay to take control of the game.“It was always going to be about getting their top three early. The way Shahrukh played gave them some hope, but we knew the target was above par. Credit to our bowlers – they held their nerves well,” Pant concluded.