Lucknow Super Giants emerged victorious against Gujarat Titans, sealing the win by a margin of 33 runs in Lucknow on Sunday.
Thakur, the 25-year-old bowling sensation yet to make his international debut, stole the limelight with an outstanding performance, claiming figures of 5–30.
Lucknow's victory marked their first triumph over Gujarat in five attempts in the IPL series. Thakur's decisive spell, culminating in two crucial wickets in the 19th over, clinched the match in Lucknow's favour.
Marcus Stoinis showcased his batting prowess, notching up an impressive 58 runs to propel Lucknow to a total of 163-5. Despite appearing below-par, Lucknow's bowlers, spearheaded by spinner Krunal Pandya's three-wicket haul, defended the total effectively.
The highlight of the match came when leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi pulled off a stunning return catch off his own leg-spin to dismiss Gujarat's impact substitute, Kane Williamson, for just one run.
Adding to Gujarat's woes, left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya, the elder brother of Mumbai's Hardik Pandya, turned the tide with a crucial over, claiming two wickets, including the prized scalp of Sai Sudarshan, for 31 runs.
Thakur's heroics continued as he delivered a double-wicket maiden over, further denting Gujarat's hopes of a successful chase. His stellar performance culminated in his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, securing a memorable victory for Lucknow.
