IPL 2024 – (Match 11) – Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings
In a thrilling display of cricket, Captain Nicholas Pooran and the newcomer Mayank Yadav led the Lucknow Super Giants to their first victory with a dynamic performance in the middle overs. Facing the Kings, who had a strong start of 102 for 0, Yadav, a debutant, unleashed a series of fast-paced deliveries, reaching speeds up to 150kph, significantly shifting the momentum in favor of LSG. This marked a noticeable shift from traditional T20 strategies to a more aggressive approach under the guidance of Justin Langer, renowned for his innovative coaching methods.
LSG’s middle overs saw them amassing 103 runs, the second highest in their franchise history, largely thanks to the batting prowess of Pooran and Marcus Stoinis, who faced more deliveries than in their previous outing, deviating from their usual late-game appearances. With the ball, Yadav’s exceptional speed, peaking at 155.8kmph, and his tricky bounce claimed five wickets for just 84 runs, putting LSG in a commanding position despite a slight dip in run rate towards the innings’ end.
The decision to appoint Pooran as captain, possibly influenced by KL Rahul’s quad strain or a strategic move to alleviate pressure from Rahul, proved pivotal. This change seemed to free Rahul, allowing him to focus solely on batting, which he did with notable aggression from the outset.
LSG’s aggressive intent was clear from the beginning, with both Rahul and Quinton de Kock setting a brisk pace, despite the loss of two wickets, they managed to score 54 runs in the powerplay. The post-powerplay overs initially hinted at a challenge in dominating spin bowling, but Stoinis and then Pooran quickly dispelled this notion, taking aggressive stances against the Kings’ spinners, particularly punishing Rahul Chahar and removing spin from the attack early.
As the innings progressed, LSG’s decision to play only three overseas players allowed them to maintain balance and trust in their lineup, even as wickets fell. Krunal Pandya’s explosive 43 off 22 balls towards the innings’ end underscored LSG’s strategy of prioritizing runs in the middle overs over risking it all for a few extra runs in the final overs.
The Kings’ response under the lights and against the dew was initially promising, with Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow off to a fast start. However, the introduction of Mayank Yadav changed the complexion of the game. His rapid pace and accuracy dismantled the Kings’ batting lineup, including taking three key wickets with his short ball deliveries.
Despite Dhawan’s efforts to counter Yadav’s pace, the bowler’s adaptability and the continuous pressure applied by LSG’s bowlers, including Mohsin Khan and Bishnoi, kept the Kings on the backfoot. An injury to Liam Livingstone further hampered the Kings’ chase.
In the end, LSG’s strategic focus on taking wickets and aggressive middle-over batting paid off, allowing them to defend their total successfully and secure a 21-run victory, showcasing a blend of tactical acumen and raw talent.
Lucknow Super Giants 199 for 8 in 20 overs (Quinton De Kock 54, Krunal Pandya 43 not out, Nicholas Pooran 42, Sam Curran 3 for 28, Arshdeep Singh 2 for 30)
Punjab Kings 178 for 5 in 20 overs (Shikar Dhawan 70, Johnny Bairstow 42, Mayank Yadav 3 for 27, Mohsin Khan 2 for 34)
Player of the Match – Mayank Yadav
