Xtra Time Web Desk: In an IPL showdown between the newcomers, Lucknow Super Giants defeated Gujarat Titans by runs at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on 7th April. LSG’s sensational bowler Yash Thakur’s fifer handed GT a 33 runs defeat.
LSG reached a total of 163/5 and then capitalized on the conditions, preventing GT from gaining momentum in their chase. Captain KL Rahul’s decision to bat first after winning the toss paid off, although LSG faced an early setback when opener Quinton de Kock was dismissed by Umesh Yadav. Umesh struck again in the powerplay, claiming the wicket of Devdutt Padikkal. GT effectively limited LSG to just 47 runs in the powerplay. Skipper Rahul was eventually dismissed for 33 runs off 31 balls, while Marcus Stoinis anchored the innings with a score of 58 off 43 balls. Despite Nicholas Pooran’s efforts to accelerate towards the end, he too found it challenging to score freely. Pooran remained unbeaten on 32 off 22 balls, supported by Ayush Badoni, who contributed 20 runs off 11 balls. Despite scoring a not so big total, they were successful in restricting GT to 130 only.
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In the second innings, LSG’s allrounder Krunal Pandya’s performance has made life tough for eight-down GT in latter’s chase of 164 runs. Krunal took 3 wickets for just 11 runs in his 4 overs. Meanwhile, LSG star pacer Mayank Yadav stayed off the ground after bowling one over. As per a report, he got a side strain. Yash Thakur removed Noor Ahmad for 4, Rahul Tewatia’s for 30, Vijay Shankar for 17, Shubman Gill for 19 and dismissed Rashid Khan for a duck, completing a five-wicket haul, leading Lucknow Super Giants to a 33-run victory. Ravi Bishnoi’s stunning caught and bowl to dismiss Kane Williamson was another highlight of the match. GT batters could not settle on the pitch for much long, eventually were all out for 130 in the 18.5th over This win marked LSG’s third consecutive victory, propelling them to third place in the points table.
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