In an electrifying encounter at Wankhede Stadium, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) wrapped up their TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign in style with an 18-run triumph over the Mumbai Indians (MI). The win provided a fitting end to LSG’s season, marked by strategic brilliance and critical performances from key players.
The drama began with MI winning the toss and opting to bowl first. In a strategic move, they made several changes to their line-up, including the notable inclusion of Arjun Tendulkar in place of the ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. LSG’s innings began on a rocky note as they struggled to gain momentum in the initial 10 overs due to disciplined bowling from MI, which kept the batsmen in check. Frequent wickets further hindered the scoring rate, and at the halfway mark, LSG appeared to be in a precarious position.
The pivotal moment came when Nicholas Pooran stepped onto the field, entrusted with the task of accelerating the innings, alongside the steadfast KL Rahul who aimed to anchor the innings. Devdutt Padikkal, promoted to open the batting, was dismissed leg-before by Nuwan Thushara in the very first over. While Marcus Stoinis managed to chalk up a solid start, scoring 28 off 22 balls with five boundaries, he too fell prey to Piyush Chawla’s wily bowling at the close of the powerplay. Chawla maintained the pressure by snagging the wicket of Deepak Hooda through an edge, expertly caught by Nehal Wadhera at point.
As LSG found themselves at 69 for three with the arrival of Pooran, their fortunes began to change. Pooran’s start was cautious, with the first three balls he faced being dot balls. However, he soon unleashed his full potential, reaching his half-century in a blitzkrieg of just 16 balls. His aggressive batting style, characterized by powerful horizontal bat shots, saw the ball frequently disappearing to the boundaries over square on both sides of the wicket.
The 13th over became a turning point, with Pooran hammering it for 22 runs, including two towering sixes. He continued his onslaught into the 15th over, bowled by Arjun Tendulkar who was cramping, smacking two more sixes towards the leg-side. This blistering performance brought Pooran to his 50. Arjun Tendulkar had to leave the field, and Naman Dhir was tasked with completing the over, which didn’t bring any respite as Pooran continued his assault with a six and a four. That over cost MI 29 runs in total, putting LSG back on track.
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KL Rahul also reached his fifty with a composed innings off 37 balls. A strategic move from MI brought Thushara back into the attack, who succeeded in breaking the partnership by dismissing Pooran for an explosive 75 off 29 deliveries. The momentum was temporarily disrupted, and LSG lost another wicket soon after as Rahul was caught off Chawla’s bowling. However, crucial contributions from Krunal Pandya and Ayush Badoni ensured that LSG finished strong, amassing a competitive total of 214 runs.
MI’s response was spirited, with Rohit Sharma and the young South African Dewald Brevis opening the innings in place of Ishan Kishan. The pair got MI off to a flying start, with Sharma particularly dominant, showcasing a masterclass in shot-making to thrill the local crowd. Their partnership yielded 88 runs in a little over eight overs, with Rohit charging to his fifty in just 28 balls. Despite Brevis’ steady contribution of 23 runs, his dismissal created an opening for LSG to exploit.
Suryakumar Yadav was next, but his brief stint ended as he was caught off Krunal Pandya’s bowling. The decisive blow came when Rohit was dismissed for a valiant 68 by Ravi Bishnoi, caught at short third-man. Following Rohit’s departure, MI struggled with increasing run-rate pressure, losing wickets in quick succession.
One bright spot in MI’s innings was the performance of youngster Naman Dhir, who exhibited resilience and grit. He battled against the mounting pressure, eventually achieving his fifty in the final over of the match with a six off Naveen. Dhir’s valiant effort saw him close the innings with an unbeaten 62 off 28 balls, including another six off the last delivery. Despite his heroics, MI was left needing 34 runs off the final over, an insurmountable task.
LSG’s bowlers delivered a commendable team effort, with Krunal Pandya’s spell of one for 29 in four overs being particularly effective in the middle overs. Bishnoi was also instrumental, taking two crucial wickets for 37 runs. Their disciplined and strategic bowling restricted MI’s otherwise potent batting line-up, sealing LSG’s victory and concluding their IPL 2024 campaign on a high note.