GT vs LSG IPL Match 21 – LSG Innings Falters After Promising Start Against GT
Lucknow Super Giants got off to a decent start after being put in to bat by Gujarat Titans, but failed to capitalize as they were restricted to 163/5 in their 20 overs.
Openers Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul looked to attack the GT bowlers early. However, de Kock’s innings was cut short on 6 when he top-edged a pull shot off Umesh Yadav’s bowling in the first over.
Devdutt Padikkal continued his poor run of form, managing just 7 before edging behind off Umesh. At 18/2, Rahul and Marcus Stoinis had to rebuild the innings. The two put on 73 for the third wicket, with Stoinis being the more aggressive of the two.
Rahul made 33 off 31 balls before mistiming a loft to long-on off Darshan Nalkande’s bowling. Stoinis looked set for a big score, bringing up his fifty off just 40 balls. But he fell soon after for 58, caught off Nalkande’s bowling as well.
Nicholas Pooran provided some late fireworks, smashing 25 off 17 balls including a huge six off Rashid Khan. However, LSG could only muster 163/5, which may be below par on a good batting surface.
For GT, Umesh Yadav was the pick of the bowlers with 2/22, while Nalkande took 2/21. Rashid Khan was economical, conceding just 28 runs from his four overs while taking one wicket.
LSG will need their bowlers to strike regularly to defend what looks a slightly under-par total. GT’s batting firepower makes them favorites to chase this down comfortably.
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GT vs LSG – Gujrat Batting Performance
Marcus Stoinis (58 off 43 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) Stoinis played a brilliant hand, holding the LSG innings together after the early wickets. He paced his knock well, being circumspect initially before accelerating. Stoinis brought up a well-deserved half-century and looked good for a big score before falling for 58.
Nicholas Pooran (25 off 17 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) Coming in at No. 5, Pooran provided some vital late impetus for LSG. He went after the bowling right away, hitting a massive six off Rashid Khan. Pooran’s cameo pushed LSG’s total past 160.
KL Rahul (33 off 31 balls, 3 fours) The LSG captain held one end up after the early dismissals of the openers. Rahul rebuilt the innings through a 73-run stand with Stoinis. Though he couldn’t capitalize on his start, Rahul’s contribution was vital in resurrecting the LSG innings.
GT vs LSG – Lucknow Bowling Performance
Umesh Yadav (4-0-22-2) Umesh gave GT the perfect start, striking twice in the very first over to remove de Kock and Padikkal. His probing spell put LSG on the backfoot early. Umesh’s wickets and economical figures made him the standout bowler.
Darshan Nalkande (2-0-21-2) The young Nalkande provided the crucial breakthroughs of the settled Rahul and Stoinis. His wickets in the 12th and 15th overs pegged LSG back just when they were looking to accelerate.
Rashid Khan (4-0-28-1) The Afghan leg-spinner was his usual economical self, conceding just 28 runs from his 4 overs despite being struck for a six by Pooran. Rashid’s tight spell didn’t allow LSG to really cut loose.
