Different from a KLass
In their IPL encounter, the Lucknow Super Giants easily defeated the Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets because of openers KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock’s chase masterclass on sluggish ground.
When given the opportunity to bat first, Ravindra Jadeja scored a strong, undefeated 57. Then, Moeen Ali (30 off 20) and MS Dhoni (28 off 9) went on a six-hit rampage, pushing CSK to a formidable 176/6.
The match-winning partnership of 134, the greatest partnership for any wicket at the Ekana Stadium, was struck by Rahul (82) and de Kock (54), who batted with dominance in reply. LSG scored 180/2 in 19 overs to overcome two consecutive defeats and solidify their place in the standings. CSK, who had won their previous two games in a row, suffered their third defeat.
Although de Kock overcame a shaky start to smash five fours and a six in his 43-ball innings, Rahul, who admitted to not making the most of his starts, finally lived up to the hype by blasting nine fours and three sixes in his 53-ball knock.
Rahul was the aggressor, scoring 54 runs during the powerplay thanks to some incredible stroke play. LSG were at 89 for no loss after ten overs.
Jadeja’s one-handed catch put a stop to Rahul’s incredible knock, but it was too little, too late.
Before spinner Krunal Pandya tightened the knot in the middle overs, pacers first put the CSK hitters under strain. Rahul was accurate with his bowling variations earlier.
“At the end of the day, it feels fantastic. When you triumph, it seems like you made every choice correctly. Unable to be fully understood. Depending on the kind of wicket we are using and the batters we have available,. Rahul said, “We talked about them not settling against one style of bowling and we spent time doing homework on tactics.” — PTI
Quick scores
Jadeja 57*, Rahane 36, Moeen 30, Dhoni 28*, Krunal 2/16) put CSK on 176/6 in 20 overs while LSG was on 180/2 in 19 overs (Rahul 82, de Kock 54).
The outcome on Thursday
MI: 192/7 in twenty overs (Rohit 36, Suryakumar 78, Harshal 3/31) vs. PBKS: 183 all out in 19.1 overs (Bumrah 3/21, Ashok 41, and Ashutosh 61)
Welcome to heroes?
Delhi, New: When Rishabh Pant leads the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here tomorrow in an attempt to stop Pat Cummins’ Sunrisers Hyderabad from going on a rampage, he will be met with an emotional welcome home. SRH, which came in fourth on the points standings, created a distinct precedent by recording two of their highest-ever totals, 277/3 and 287/3. Pant will need to exercise exceptional prudence and dexterity while using his resources on a track that, for once, has strong bounce and carry.
