Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) concluded their TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with a splendid 18-run victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. An electrifying atmosphere filled the ground as fans from both sides hoped for a thrilling contest, and they were not left disappointed.
The Mumbai Indians, having won the toss, opted to bowl first. Their line-up featured some notable changes; with young Arjun Tendulkar stepping in for the seasoned Jasprit Bumrah. As the game commenced, LSG’s innings appeared split into two distinct phases – uncertainty in the first half followed by a surge in the latter. The MI bowlers executed their plans meticulously during the initial 10 overs, preventing the LSG batters from gaining any substantial momentum by picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals. By the half-way mark, LSG found themselves in a tight spot, calling for a significant rescue act from Nicholas Pooran and the set KL Rahul.
Promoted to open the batting, Devdutt Padikkal’s stay was short-lived as he was trapped leg-before by Nuwan Thushara in the very first over. While LSG sought to stabilize their innings during the powerplay, Marcus Stoinis provided a brief spark with a 22-ball 28, adorned by five fours. Unfortunately for LSG, Piyush Chawla stifled their progress by trapping Stoinis leg-before off the last ball of the powerplay. Chawla continued to exert pressure, eventually inducing an edge from Deepak Hooda that was deftly caught by Nehal Wadhera at point. By the 10-over mark, LSG was precariously positioned at 69 for three, with the onus shifting to Nicholas Pooran.
Interestingly, Pooran began his innings cautiously, playing three dot balls, only to then smash his way to a rapid half-century off just 19 balls, thereby effectively achieving the milestone in only 16 deliveries. His barrage of runs featured his trademark horizontal bat shots, sending the ball soaring square off both sides of the wicket.
The match shifted gears in the 13th over when Pooran blitzed 22 runs, hammering two sixes and asserting his dominance. With Arjun Tendulkar, who was struggling with cramps, coming in to bowl the 15th, Pooran continued his assault, sending the ball over the leg-side for two consecutive sixes, thus reaching his fifty. Tendulkar had to leave the field after the onslaught, and Naman Dhir was tasked with completing the over. However, Pooran capitalized on the opportunity, dispatching Dhir for a six and a four as the 15th over totalled an agonizing 29 runs for MI.
KL Rahul, steady at the crease, reached his fifty off 37 balls.
. Thushara, reintroduced into the attack, managed to break the burgeoning partnership by dismissing Pooran for an explosive 75 off 29 balls. Quickly afterwards, Arshad Khan, promoted in the batting order, skied his first delivery. KL Rahul soon followed, falling prey to Chawla. At 178 for six, LSG were inching towards the coveted 200-run mark.
A crucial partnership between Krunal Pandya and Ayush Badoni ensured LSG concluded their innings on a competitive total of 214, thanks to some timely boundaries in the dying overs.
When MI undertook their chase, it was none other than Rohit Sharma and Dewald Brevis who got their side off to a solid start. Brevis, the promising young South African, opened in place of Ishan Kishan. The opening stand was dominated by Rohit, who dazzled the Wankhede crowd with breathtaking shots. Setting the tone for a tall run chase, Rohit delivered a masterclass, reaching his half-century in just 28 balls, employing elegant lofted shots over the infield.
The 88-run opening partnership was brought to halt when Brevis contributed 23 runs, and MI’s innings faced a setback. Suryakumar Yadav’s departure in the 10th over, caught in the deep off Krunal Pandya, tilted the scales in LSG’s favor. The decisive blow arrived when Rohit was caught at short third-man off Ravi Bishnoi for a well-fought 68.
As the required run-rate mounted, MI’s batters grappled with the pressure. Amidst the mounting run-rate, young Naman Dhir showcased grit, achieving his half-century in the last over with a six off Naveen. Dhir scored a resolute 62 off 28 balls but couldn’t prevent MI from facing a near-impossible 34 runs required off the final over.
LSG’s cohesive bowling effort was exemplified by Krunal Pandya’s economical spell of one for 29 in four overs, providing crucial control during the middle stages. Ravi Bishnoi’s two for 37 also played a significant role in restricting MI. The combined effect of LSG’s spinners during the middle overs proved to be a game-changer, leading to their emphatic win.
As the stumps were drawn, the jubilant LSG camp celebrated a well-earned victory, marked by significant performances that ensured they finished their IPL 2024 season on a triumphant note.
