Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) capped off their TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with a powerful performance, securing an 18-run victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium. In a match filled with dramatic turns and standout performances, LSG successfully defended a challenging target, exhibiting skill and composure.
The match began with MI winning the toss and opting to bowl. This decision brought several changes to their lineup, most notably Arjun Tendulkar replacing the ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. LSG’s innings started on shaky ground, as MI’s bowling attack maintained a tight grip, picking up wickets at consistent intervals. The first half of LSG’s innings saw them struggling to find momentum, culminating in a score of 69 for three by the 10th over mark.
KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran emerged as LSG’s stabilizing force, with Rahul aiming to hold the innings together and Pooran tasked with providing the much-needed impetus. The batting order saw Devdutt Padikkal promoted to open, but he was quickly ensnared by Nuwan Thushara’s impeccable delivery in the first over, sending him back to the pavilion leg-before.
Marcus Stoinis gave LSG a solid foundation during the powerplay, progressing swiftly to 28 off 22 balls with five boundaries, before Piyush Chawla struck – trapping him leg-before on the final ball of the powerplay. Chawla continued to enforce MI’s dominance by dismissing Deepak Hooda, thanks to an edge caught at point by Nehal Wadhera. With the scoreboard reflecting 69 for three, Nicholas Pooran entered the fray with LSG in a precarious position.
Pooran’s initial period at the crease was cautious, as he played out three consecutive dot balls. However, he soon switched gears, demonstrating his aggressive intent by reaching fifty off just 19 balls, effectively taking only 16 scoring shots to reach the milestone. His trademark wagon-wheel shots sent the ball flying square of the wicket on both sides.
The turning point came in the 13th over when Pooran unleashed a barrage of strokes, racking up 22 runs, including two towering sixes. His relentless assault continued into the 15th over, bowled initially by Arjun Tendulkar, who had to leave the field due to cramping and was replaced by Naman Dhir. Pooran capitalized on this adverse change for MI, smacking two sixes off Tendulkar to notch his fifty and continuing the carnage against Dhir to accumulate a staggering 29 runs off that over alone.
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While KL Rahul also reached his half-century off 37 balls, he eventually fell to Thushara, who returned to complete his captain’s job by claiming Pooran’s wicket for a dazzling 75 off 29 balls. The hero of LSG’s previous game, Arshad Khan, was promoted but skied his first ball. Rahul’s dismissal soon followed, falling to Chawla, and leaving LSG at 178 for six, still in pursuit of the 200-mark.
However, a late surge from Krunal Pandya and Ayush Badoni helped LSG edge closer to a formidable total, culminating in 214 thanks to some crucial boundaries at the end.
MI’s response began on a strong note with an enthusiastic start from captain Rohit Sharma and young South African Dewald Brevis, promoted to open in place of Ishan Kishan. The opening pair forged an 88-run partnership within just over eight overs, largely powered by Rohit’s aggressive stroke play.
Rohit Sharma dazzled with his shot-making, reaching his fifty off 28 balls and setting a solid platform for MI’s chase. As Brevis fell for a modest 23, LSG saw an opening. The wickets of Suryakumar Yadav, who was caught in the deep off Krunal Pandya, and Rohit Sharma, who was dismissed for 68 by Ravi Bishnoi, further tilted the game in LSG’s favor.
With the required run-rate climbing, MI’s middle and lower order found it increasingly difficult to keep pace. MI youngster Naman Dhir exhibited a fighting spirit, registering a commendable half-century with a six off the final ball of the match to finish unbeaten at 62 off 28 balls. However, with MI needing 34 off the last over, the target proved insurmountable.
LSG’s bowlers showcased a collective effort, marked by Krunal Pandya’s economical spell, conceding just 29 runs in his four-over quota and claiming a critical wicket. Ravi Bishnoi’s contribution of two for 37 was instrumental in containing MI’s chase. The cohesive performance from LSG’s spinners in the middle overs proved decisive in sealing the victory.
In the end, LSG’s spirited fightback and strategic execution enabled them to triumph over MI, closing their 2024 IPL campaign on a high note.