Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya surprised everyone during the final over of their IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants. With just 14 runs needed from 4 balls, Pandya refused a clear single to Mitchell Santner. That moment stunned MI owner Akash Ambani, who was watching from the stands. Though he didn’t react loudly, his body language showed visible disbelief.

The Final Over Drama

Mumbai needed 22 runs from the last six balls. Pandya started strong. He smashed Avesh Khan’s low full toss for a six over extra cover. Then he ran two runs by flicking the next delivery to mid-wicket. With the equation down to 14 from 4, Pandya took full control. He declined a single on the third ball, sending Santner back, even though the non-striker had already reached halfway.

This bold decision confused many. Moments earlier, MI had retired out Tilak Varma to send in Santner as an impact player. It made little sense not to trust him with a strike when the game was still within reach.

The Missed Shots and the Loss

Hardik failed to find the boundary on the next two balls. Frustrated, he finally took a single on the fifth delivery, but it was too late. MI lost the game by 12 runs. After realising the match had slipped away, Pandya threw his bat in anger.

Akash Ambani soon came down to the dugout to console his players. He shook hands with the team and tried to lift their spirits after the loss.

How the Match Unfolded

Mumbai chased a target of 204 at Ekana Stadium on Friday. Suryakumar Yadav kept MI in the hunt until the 17th over. Once he got out, LSG tightened their grip. Tilak Varma struggled to find rhythm and couldn’t hit big shots. He made 25 off 23 balls before being retired out just before the last over.

In the 19th over, Shardul Thakur gave away only seven runs. Then Avesh Khan bowled the final over and kept his calm despite being hit for a six on the first ball.

LSG's Key Performers

Digvesh Rathi, a wrist spinner, impressed with figures of 1/21. He dismissed Naman Dhir, who had scored a quick 46, and earned the Player of the Match award.

Mitchell Marsh gave LSG a solid start with an aggressive knock of 60 runs from just 31 balls. He hit nine fours and two sixes, laying the foundation for their strong total.