In a thrilling encounter at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) concluded their TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with an 18-run victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI). In what can only be described as a pulsating match, LSG demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen to outplay MI and finish their season on a high note.
Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, MI introduced a few changes to their lineup, the most significant being the inclusion of Arjun Tendulkar, coming in place of the seasoned Jasprit Bumrah. However, the early part of LSG’s innings was marked by a lack of momentum as MI’s bowlers managed to keep the batters under a tight leash. Regular fall of wickets ensured that LSG found themselves on shaky ground by the halfway mark of their innings.
Debuting in this match, Devdutt Padikkal was sent in to open alongside KL Rahul. However, his debut was cut short in the first over itself when Nuwan Thushara trapped him leg-before. MI seemed to capitalize on their breakthrough, keeping LSG’s runs in check during the powerplay. Marcus Stoinis provided some respite by getting off to a promising start, hitting 28 off 22 balls before Piyush Chawla dismissed him leg-before on the final ball of the powerplay. Chawla’s effective spell included inducing an edge off Deepak Hooda’s bat, caught by Nehal Wadhera at point, reinforcing MI’s strong position.
At the halfway stage, LSG were tottering at 69 for three, bringing Nicholas Pooran to the crease. Pooran got off the mark uncharacteristically slow, playing three consecutive dot balls. What followed was a masterclass in power-hitting. Pooran blazed his way to a whirlwind fifty off just 19 balls, his aggressive stroke play momentarily electrifying the proceedings. The 13th over went for a colossal 22 runs, with Pooran smashing two towering sixes.
A cramping Arjun Tendulkar came in to bowl the 15th over, only to be dispatched disdainfully for two sixes over the leg-side. Pooran brought up his swashbuckling fifty in that over, which eventually went for a staggering 29 runs thanks to successive hits off Naman Dhir who completed the over.
Skipper KL Rahul, holding the innings from the other end, soon reached his fifty off 37 balls.
. Thushara was instrumental again, breaking the potentially match-defining partnership by dismissing Pooran who scored an entertaining 75 off just 29 balls. Arshad Khan, promoted up the order, failed to make an impact as he skied the first ball he faced. Soon after, Rahul fell to Piyush Chawla, leaving LSG’s score at a precarious 178 for six.
LSG’s tail, however, wagged, with Krunal Pandya and Ayush Badoni adding crucial runs towards the end, propelling their team to a commendable total of 214.
Mumbai’s chase started on a promising note, thanks to their seasoned captain, Rohit Sharma, who was partnered by young South African Dewald Brevis in place of Ishan Kishan. Brevis and Rohit Sharma stitched an 88-run opening partnership, dominating the early proceedings. Sharma’s belligerent stroke play enthralled the Wankhede crowd, bringing up his fifty off just 28 balls.
However, Brevis’s dismissal for 23 halted MI’s momentum. The wickets of Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma in quick succession, Yadav falling to Krunal Pandya and Sharma to Ravi Bishnoi, dealt a severe blow to MI’s chase. Sharma’s picturesque innings of 68 came to a screeching halt as he was caught at short third-man.
With the required run-rate climbing steeply, MI’s batting lineup struggled to keep pace. Nonetheless, the young prospect Naman Dhir provided some resistance, showcasing his talent by hitting a six off the last over from Naveen to reach his fifty. Dhir’s unbeaten 62 off 28 balls stood out as a bright spark for MI amidst the mounting pressure of the chase. Despite the late flourish, a Herculean task of 34 runs required off the final over proved too formidable, and MI fell short.
LSG’s bowlers delivered a collective performance, with Krunal Pandya leading from the front with figures of one for 29 in his four overs. Ravi Bishnoi also impressed with two for 37, his exploits in the middle overs proving crucial. The spinners’ contributions were instrumental in curbing MI’s batting charge.
This decisive victory allowed LSG to end their IPL 2024 campaign with renewed spirit and optimism for the next season as they took down one of the tournament’s formidable sides in a high-stakes match.