In an intense showdown at the Wankhede Stadium, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) concluded their TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign on a high note with a decisive 18-run victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI). The match, which was the 67th of the season, showcased relentless action and gripping moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Having won the toss, Mumbai Indians decided to bowl first, a strategic choice influenced by a few changes in their line-up. Prominently, Arjun Tendulkar was brought in to replace Jasprit Bumrah. LSG’s innings began with a lackluster performance in the first ten overs, struggling to gain momentum as the Mumbai bowlers effectively kept their batters in check with disciplined line and length. Regular fall of wickets added to the pressure, and at the halfway point, LSG appeared to be in trouble, teetering at 69 for three.
It was then that the onus fell on Nicholas Pooran to lift the innings, alongside KL Rahul who had already been performing steadily. Devdutt Padikkal, promoted to open the batting, was trapped leg-before by Nuwan Thushara in the very first over. Despite attempts to stabilize the innings during the powerplay, it was Marcus Stoinis who initially showcased some promise, scoring 28 off 22 balls. However, Piyush Chawla soon ended Stoinis’s stint by trapping him leg-before on the last ball of the powerplay, maintaining a tight grip on the match. Adding to LSG’s woes, Chawla secured Deepak Hooda’s wicket, caught by Nehal Wadhera at point.
As Nicholas Pooran walked in, the LSG innings took a dramatic turn. Pooran initially played out three dot balls but then unleashed a fiery knock, racing to his fifty off just 19 balls, effectively off only 16 deliveries. Demonstrating his signature horizontal bat shots, Pooran sent the ball soaring square off the wicket on both sides. The 13th over was particularly brutal for MI, with Pooran and his onslaught fetching 22 runs, including two massive sixes.
Arjun Tendulkar, already cramping, returned for the 15th over but was no match for Pooran’s assault, conceding two sixes over the leg-side. This performance not only helped Pooran reach his fifty but also forced Tendulkar off the field, leaving Naman Dhir to complete the over. Pooran continued his rampage, smashing Dhir for a six and a four, wrapping up the over with a total of 29 runs.
. KL Rahul, securing his half-century off 37 balls, provided solid support.
Thushara, reintroduced into the attack, lived up to his captain’s expectations by dismissing Pooran, who was caught for a blistering 75 off 29 balls. Arshad Khan, promoted up the order, faltered by skying his very first ball. In the subsequent over, KL Rahul was sent packing by Chawla, leaving LSG at 178 for six, still short of their 200-mark target.
Krunal Pandya and Ayush Badoni’s partnership in the final stages of the innings proved crucial as they added valuable boundaries, propelling LSG to a formidable total of 214 runs.
Mumbai Indians’ innings commenced strongly with captain Rohit Sharma and young South African opener Dewald Brevis leading the charge. Brevis, promoted to open the batting in place of Ishan Kishan, assisted Rohit in forming an 88-run partnership that lasted over eight overs. While Brevis contributed 23 runs, it was Rohit who dazzled the crowd with his impressive shots, reaching his fifty in just 28 balls, setting a solid foundation for MI’s chase.
However, Brevis’s dismissal disrupted MI’s rhythm, opening the door for LSG’s bowlers. Suryakumar Yadav was soon caught deep off Krunal Pandya, and Ravi Bishnoi delivered a crucial blow by dismissing Rohit for 68, caught at short third-man. This series of wickets significantly slowed down MI’s run rate, leaving the remaining batters to contend with an ever-increasing required run rate.
Despite the mounting pressure, young MI batter Naman Dhir showcased determination, reaching his half-century in the final over of the match with a six off Naveen-ul-Haq. Dhir’s fought a lone battle, finishing unbeaten on 62 off 28 balls, but with MI needing 34 runs off the last over, the task proved insurmountable. MI’s efforts were not enough to overcome LSG’s earlier total, concluding their innings at 196 for eight.
LSG’s bowlers delivered a commendable team effort, with Krunal Pandya leading with a tight spell of one for 29 in four overs, significantly choking MI’s scoring in the middle overs. Ravi Bishnoi complemented this with figures of two for 37, effectively punctuating MI’s chase. The combined impact of the spinners was pivotal in restricting MI and securing LSG’s victory.
The intense match concluded LSG’s IPL 2024 journey on a celebratory note, showcasing both thrilling cricket and strategic prowess.