Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) would be somewhat unhappy as they managed to get 164-8 in 20 overs against Gujarat Titans (GT). GT’s Prasidh Krishna was the wrecker-in-chief with the ball in hand who took 4 wickets. GT’s bowlers bowled to a particular plan, as LSG’s all-out attack approach wasn’t that successful
LSG off to a great start, but GT takes 2 wickets
After being asked to bat first, GT and LSG had their task cut out to get the team to a rollicking start as the surface was a belter. Mitchell Marsh (11 in 4) took on Kagiso Rabada in 2nd over for two back-to-back boundaries, but he wasn’t third time lucky. Rishabh Pant’s game plan at the No.3 position was attacking from ball one as he stepped down the track and hit a four to Rabada.
LSG continued to assert its dominance. Rabada again was whacked around the park; in the 4th over, both Aiden Markram & Rishabh Pant toyed with him as Rabada conceded 15 runs. Rishabh Pant’s (18 in 11) attacking mindset was short-lived as in the 4th over, Mohammed Siraj foxed him; LSG’s score at that time was 45-2 in 4.1 overs. LSG’s score at the end of powerplay overs was 60-2.
GT dent LSG’s batting line-up in the middle overs
Aiden Markram got a life on 22 when he was dropped by Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket. He had taken a catch, but it slipped off. It was quite short-lived as in the same over, the 7th one, Prasidh Krishna had the last laugh as too many shots by Markram cost him his wicket. LSG’s score was 69-3 in 7 overs & Markram was dismissed on 30 runs in 21 balls (*5 fours and 1 six).
Prasidh Krishna continued his foxy variations and sent back Ayush Badoni in the 9th over; Ayush Badoni (9 in 11) couldn’t play a pull shot properly as this time Phillips took a catch at deep square leg. LSG’s batters were facing tough times to clear the boundary as GT’s bowlers bowled immaculate line & lengths.
Nicholas Pooran had smashed two huge sixes in the 14th over to Rashid Khan & it seemed slowly LSG’s innings was getting into the zone. In the 15th over, once again Prasidh Krishna provided break-through who got rid of dangerous-looking Nicholas Pooran (19 in 21). LSG was a bit reeling at 117-5 in 16 overs & strategic time-out was also taken.
LSG end on a high note, but GT continue taking wickets
We can say that LSG’s batters weren’t able to convert their starts. Mukul Choudhary was getting into the groove as he hit Rabada for a monstrous six. The speedster had a forgettable outing, conceding 54 runs in 4 overs & took 1 wicket. It was somewhat constant that whenever Prasidh Krishna came into the bowl, he took & that happened in the 19th over; Mukul (18 in 14) was surprised with steep bounce as wickets kept on tumbling. LSG’s score was 131-7 in 18.1 overs at the time of dismissal of Mukul Choudhary.
The late mini cameos from George Linde & Mohammed Shami helped LSG to get 164-8 in 20 overs. Prasidh Krishna was the pick of the bowlers who took 4 wickets and gave away 28 runs in his 4 overs. LSG’s not a single batter scored 35 runs, which was somewhat shocking in modern-day cricket.
Who’s winning LSG or GT?
LSG would be hoping for early movement for bowlers as all eyes will be on Shami. Despite being what seemed as a belter of a wicket, GT will have to bat cautiously as their batting is also quite centric to top order like LSG. If GT are unscathed & even score 40 runs in powerplay, they would back themselves to win match.
Also Read:Â CSK vs DC: Sanju Samson’s Sparkling Ton Helps CSK Win Their 1st Game