Lucknow Super Giants stay alive as Mitchell Marsh ton sinks Royal Challengers Bengaluru

In a match interrupted multiple times by rain, Lucknow produced a commanding batting display to post 209 in 19 overs, with Bengaluru's bowlers again struggling after their disappointing outing against the Gujarat Titans earlier in the week.

The foundation of the innings was laid by Mitchell Marsh, who smashed 111 off just 56 deliveries. Marsh carried the innings through the early stages while opening partner Arshin Kulkarni failed to make an impact.

Nicholas Pooran added a rapid 38 from 23 balls before Rishabh Pant provided the late fireworks with an unbeaten 32 off only 10 deliveries.

Pant's cameo proved especially significant given the scrutiny surrounding his poor form this season, with questions having been raised about his place in the playing XI.

Despite entering the chase as favourites due to their explosive batting line-up, Bengaluru stumbled early. Jacob Bethell fell for four, continuing his difficult start to the tournament, before Virat Kohli was bowled by Prince Yadav, whose delivery clipped the top of off-stump.

A 95-run stand between Devdutt Padikkal (34) and Rajat Patidar (61) briefly revived Bengaluru, but wickets tumbled after Padikkal's dismissal.

Jitesh Sharma managed only one, while an aggressive 40 off 17 balls from Tim David was not enough to rescue the chase.

Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd battled late on, but Lucknow held firm, with Prince Yadav finishing with three wickets to seal the hosts' third win of the season.

The defeat marked Bengaluru's second successive loss, mirroring the recent slump suffered by the Punjab Kings after their strong start to the campaign.

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