Lucknow Super Giants secured a convincing 33-run victory against the Gujarat Titans at the Ekana Sports City in Lucknow on Sunday in the ongoing IPL season. Batting first, LSG posted a competitive total of 163/5 in 20 overs, propelled by Marcus Stoinis’ impressive 58-run innings, supported by Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten 32 and skipper KL Rahul‘s brisk 33 off 31 balls. In response, the Gujarat Titans struggled and were bundled out for a meager 130 runs in 18.5 overs. Yash Thakur starred with a memorable five-wicket haul, while Krunal Pandya contributed with three crucial wickets. Naveen-ul-Haq and Ravi Bishnoi also chipped in with a wicket each for the hosts.
Lucknow Super Giants have clinched victory in three of their last four matches, all achieved after batting first. When questioned about his team’s proficiency in defending totals, Captain Rahul expressed his satisfaction with the win. He emphasized that having a target to defend plays to the strengths of his young bowling attack.
We’ll take the win, I am not going to make too much out of it,” Rahul said.
“For the young bowling unit we have, it helps when we bat first. They get an idea how the wicket is playing and they’ve also been adapting really well,” he continued.
“It’s a good record to have, but it’s also where we’ve played. Having the home advantage helps,” he added.
They have adjusted to their roles. Hopefully, we can continue this- KL Rahul on LSG’s Bowlers
KL Rahul emphasized the strong performance of Lucknow Super Giants’ bowling unit, particularly noting their consistent effectiveness in the second innings of matches.
The bowlers have come through the ranks over the last couple of years. you have seen the same guys bowling in the last season as well,” Rahul stated.
“They have adjusted to their roles. Hopefully we can continue this,” the 31-year-old said.
We just wanted to bat and see how much we can get- Rahul
KL Rahul highlighted that Lucknow Super Giants were aware of the pitch conditions at the Ekana Sports City stadium in Lucknow and the challenges it presented for batting. He noted the difficulty in scoring runs at the venue, emphasizing the advantage it offered to the fielding side.
We knew that it wasn’t as good as the wicket we played on in the previous match here, also losing two wickets in the powerplay will set us back a bit,” the skipper said.
“Unless someone carries on to get 70-80, it was tough to achieve that 170-180. We just wanted to bat and see how much we can get. That’s the advantage you have when you are batting first,” KL Rahul added.
All three spinners have been key for us- KL Rahul
KL Rahul praised Lucknow Super Giants’ spin unit for their ability to restrict the flow of runs during the chase against Gujarat Titans. He highlighted how they effectively built pressure on the opposition, which led to the quick collapse of the visitors’ batting lineup.
All three spinners have been key for us. Sid coming in this season has done really well, he plays a crucial part with the new ball, and he’s shown great temperament. His job is to restrict the batters,” Rahul said.
“Krunal Pandya is very experienced, he’s played IPL for so many seasons. And Bishnoi has been around for so many years as well and he just keeps getting better,” the LSG skipper said.
The win was also Lucknow Super Giants’ first-ever victory against Gujarat Titans, and Rahul expressed satisfaction in securing their maiden triumph against the team from Ahmedabad.
“Feels good to get off the mark there,” KL Rahul said.
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