Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) signed off their TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign on a triumphant note, securing a firm 18-run victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
In a high-stakes encounter, Mumbai Indians won the toss and opted to bowl first, putting their trust in a reshuffled line-up. Significantly, Arjun Tendulkar replaced the renowned Jasprit Bumrah. LSG’s innings can be divided into two distinct phases: they struggled for momentum in the initial 10 overs, thanks to the disciplined bowling attack from MI. The Mumbai bowlers managed to seize wickets at consistent intervals, leaving LSG in a precarious situation midway through their innings. The task of revitalizing the team’s innings fell on the shoulders of Nicholas Pooran, with KL Rahul set to anchor the innings.
Opening the batting, Devdutt Padikkal was dismissed in the very first over by Nuwan Thushara, trapped leg-before. While the Super Giants aspired for a strong start during the powerplay, Marcus Stoinis got off the blocks quickly, scoring 28 off 22 balls with five boundaries before being trapped leg-before by Piyush Chawla on the last ball of the powerplay. Chawla continued to contain the LSG batters, maintaining the pressure. In his third over, he managed to induce an edge from Deepak Hooda, which was safely pouched by Nehal Wadhera at point. At the halfway point, LSG were struggling at 69 for three, marking Pooran’s entry to the crease.
Interestingly, Pooran’s initial three deliveries were dots. Yet, he exploded, reaching his half-century off a mere 19 balls, technically achieving the milestone in just 16 balls. Pooran’s characteristic wagon-wheel shots were on full display, sending the ball racing to the boundary on both sides of the wicket.
The momentum significantly shifted in the 13th over, with Pooran smashing two sixes and scoring 22 runs in total. Arjun Tendulkar, dealing with cramps, bowled the 15th over and was dispatched for two sixes over the leg-side by Pooran. Tendulkar walked off the field, replaced by Naman Dhir, who also faced Pooran’s wrath as the 15th over went for 29 runs, divided between two bowlers. This brilliant onslaught helped Pooran reach his 50. Soon, KL Rahul also reached his half-century in 37 balls.
Thushara returned to the attack, stepping up to his captain’s expectations by dislodging Pooran for a brisk 75 off 29 balls.
. Arshad Khan, hero of LSG’s last game, was promoted up the order but mishit his first delivery. Subsequently, Chawla dismissed Rahul. At 178 for six, LSG were still aiming for a 200-plus score.
Krunal Pandya and Ayush Badoni combined to push the innings further, adding key boundaries to conclude LSG’s innings at a competitive 214.
In response, MI’s chase began energetically with Rohit Sharma and Dewald Brevis at the crease. Brevis, promoted to open instead of Ishan Kishan, supported Rohit’s aggressive start. Rohit dominated their partnership, entertaining the Wankhede crowd with his exquisite stroke play.
The opening duo posted 88 runs in a little over eight overs, with Brevis contributing 23. Rohit, playing a signature Powerplay innings, scored his fifty off just 28 balls. Brevis’s departure introduced a lull in MI’s innings and opened opportunities for LSG to pressurize MI further. Suryakumar Yadav succumbed to Krunal Pandya in the 10th over, giving a catch in the deep. The critical blow came when Ravi Bishnoi dismissed Rohit for 68, caught at short third-man in the next over.
Subsequent MI batters grappled with an escalating required run rate. Amid rising pressure, Naman Dhir, a promising MI youngster, showed resilience. Dhir reached his fifty with a six in the final over bowled by Naveen, finishing unbeaten on a commendable 62 off 28 balls. Despite needing 34 off the last over, MI’s chances were steep, and eventually, they fell short due to LSG’s controlled bowling in the middle overs.
LSG’s bowlers showcased a collective effort, led by Krunal Pandya with a spell of one for 29 in four overs. Ravi Bishnoi’s two for 37 ensured MI was kept in check. The spinners significantly restricted MI’s scoring rate during crucial phases, proving pivotal in LSG’s victory.
This victory allowed Lucknow Super Giants to end their IPL 2024 journey on a high, reflecting a combined display of batting fireworks and disciplined bowling.