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**Pant’s Century in Vain as Lucknow Bows Out of IPL Playoff Contention**

**Jaipur:** In the final league match of the IPL season 18, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) faced off against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). RCB won the toss and elected to field, inviting LSG to bat first.

LSG’s start was shaky, but a strong partnership between captain Rishabh Pant and Mitchell Marsh stabilized the innings. Marsh contributed a solid 67 before being dismissed, while Pant exploded with an unbeaten century.

Pant, acquired for a hefty ₹27 crore in the mega-auction and subsequently appointed captain, had a point to prove. Despite the high expectations, LSG had failed to deliver a strong performance this season and missed the playoffs. However, Pant delivered a captain’s knock in this final match, smashing an unbeaten 118 off 61 balls, including 11 fours and 8 sixes. He celebrated his maiden IPL century of the season with a unique gesture, which was shared on the official IPL social media.

Thanks to Pant’s heroics and Marsh’s contribution, LSG posted a total of 227/3 in their 20 overs. Quinton de Kock (14) and Nicholas Pooran (13) also added to the score.

While LSG aimed to end their season on a high note, victory depended on their ability to contain RCB’s strong batting lineup. The result of this match could determine which teams would qualify for Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator. Punjab Kings have already qualified for the Qualifier 1 and Mumbai Indians for the Eliminator. If RCB wins today’s match, they will secure a spot in Qualifier 1; a loss would relegate them to the Eliminator.

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