Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured an exhilarating 5-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at the Ekana Stadium, thanks to Marcus Stoinis’ outstanding unbeaten knock of 89 runs from 47 deliveries and a remarkable bowling performance by Mohsin Khan in the final over.
Following their triumphant performance, Lucknow climbed to the third position in the points table, accumulating 15 points. This crucial victory brings them a step closer to securing a spot in the playoffs, with just one league match remaining.
Thanks to an unbeaten knock of 89 runs off 47 deliveries by Marcus Stoinis, coupled with a solid contribution of 49 runs off 42 balls from skipper Krunal Pandya, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) managed to post a commendable total of 177 runs on the scoreboard.
Mumbai Indians (MI) got off to an impressive start in their chase, with skipper Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan scoring runs quickly despite the slow nature of the pitch. The duo built a strong foundation with a partnership of 92 runs for the opening wicket. However, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) successfully changed the momentum of the game during the middle overs, causing MI to face difficulties in the latter part of their pursuit.
Despite Tim David’s valiant efforts to guide Mumbai Indians (MI) to victory, he fell short in his attempt as Mohsin Khan showcased an exceptional display in the final over. Defending 10 runs, Mohsin successfully restricted MI from reaching the target, securing two crucial points for his team, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
In pursuit of a target of 178 runs, Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma got Mumbai Indians (MI) off to a formidable start. They displayed their power-hitting skills by smashing four sixes and three boundaries, propelling MI to a strong total of 58/0 during the Power-play phase.
While Ishan Kishan continued to showcase his impressive strokeplay, the combined efforts of Ravi Bishnoi and Krunal Pandya from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) effectively controlled Mumbai Indians’ (MI) run rate. Their exceptional bowling performance allowed LSG to make a strong comeback in the match during the 10-15 overs phase.
During the 10th over, Rohit Sharma skillfully anticipated and connected with Ravi Bishnoi’s quicker googly, executing a paddle-scoop shot effortlessly over the short fine leg boundary for a four. However, Bishnoi swiftly recovered from this setback and dismissed the MI skipper, thereby ending the formidable 90-run opening partnership and achieving the milestone of 50 wickets in the IPL.
Shortly after reaching his half-century with a boundary, Ishan Kishan continued his attacking play by hitting another four. However, Ravi Bishnoi prevented him from staying at the crease for a long as he deceived him with a well-disguised googly. Ishan attempted a pull shot, but the ball took an edge and soared toward the deep square leg. Naveen-ul-Haq stationed himself under it and expertly caught the ball, completing a sharp catch to dismiss Ishan.
Following a period of relatively quiet overs, Yash Thakur delivered a crucial blow by dismissing the in-form Suryakumar Yadav for a meager seven runs. However, Tim David and Nehal Wadhera provided a glimmer of hope for Mumbai Indians (MI) by accumulating two boundaries. With 125 runs on the board and only three wickets down after 15 overs, MI found themselves in a challenging position, requiring 53 runs in the remaining 30 balls to secure victory.
Adding to Mumbai Indians’ (MI) woes, Mohsin Khan inflicted more troubles by dismissing Nehal Wadhera on the first delivery of the 17th over. As a result, the equation stood at 39 runs required off 18 balls. In the following over, Yash Thakur overstepped, granting Tim David a valuable free hit opportunity. Although only a single run was scored off the free hit, Thakur swiftly followed it up by removing Vishnu Vinod with a well-directed short ball.
In the penultimate over, Tim David nearly orchestrated a remarkable comeback, unleashing his power against Naveen-ul-Haq. He struck two sixes and a four, significantly reducing the equation to 11 runs required from the last over.
A score of Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians:
In the 16th over, Krunal Pandya, who was suffering from cramps while running, decided to retire from the innings, falling just one run short of his well-deserved half-century. Following Krunal’s departure, Marcus Stoinis took charge and unleashed an onslaught on the Mumbai Indians (MI) bowlers. He amassed an impressive 54 runs off the final three overs, propelling Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to a commanding total of 177/3 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.
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