Lucknow Super Giants kept their IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive with a thrilling nine-run victory over defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a rain-affected clash at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Thursday. The match, reduced to 19 overs per side due to rain interruptions, saw Australia T20I captain Mitchell Marsh produce a match-winning performance for LSG.
The explosive opener smashed a sensational century in a must-win contest, helping Lucknow post a commanding total of 209/3. Marsh dominated the RCB bowling attack throughout his innings and gave LSG complete control of the contest.
Young pacer Prince Yadav then starred with the ball, picking up crucial figures of 3/33 to restrict RCB to 203/6 and seal an important win for the home side.
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However, one of the biggest talking points after the match came off the field involving Nicholas Pooran and Krunal Pandya. In a video that quickly went viral on social media, Pooran was seen playfully grabbing Krunal by the collar after the game.
Nicholas Pooran and Krunal Pandya having a friendly banter? 😳 pic.twitter.com/hyYoj2J0d7
— Deepu (@deepu_drops) May 8, 2026
Nicholas Pooran and Krunal Pandya after that heated moment in the RCB vs Lucknow Super Giants match 💀🤯 pic.twitter.com/JFlfTomhHu
— Jara (@JARA_Memer) May 8, 2026
While heated exchanges are not unusual in the IPL, this particular moment was completely light-hearted, with both players sharing laughs during the interaction. The incident entertained fans online and highlighted the strong friendship between the two cricketers.
Krunal previously represented LSG from 2022 to 2024 before moving to RCB and is believed to share a close bond with Pooran from their time together in the Lucknow dressing room.
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The victory also ended LSG’s difficult six-match losing streak in IPL 2026. Although the franchise still remains near the bottom of the points table, the win boosted their tally from four to six points and kept them mathematically alive in the playoff race.
LSG now face a crucial double-header against Chennai Super Kings in their next two matches. They will first travel to Chennai on May 10 before hosting the Men in Yellow in Lucknow on May 15 as they continue their fight to stay in contention for a top-four finish.
