Lucknow Super Giants Eke Out Win Over Gujarat Titans
Lucknow, April 8, 2024: The Lucknow Super Giants held their nerve to defeat the Gujarat Titans by 33 runs in an entertaining IPL encounter at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Monday. After being put in to bat first, LSG posted a competitive total of 163/5, riding on a 73-run partnership between KL Rahul (33) and Marcus Stoinis (58). Nicholas Pooran provided the late flourish with a brisk 22-ball 32.
In reply, Gujarat were off to a flyer with Shubman Gill (19) and Sai Sudharsan (31) putting on 54 runs for the opening wicket. However, LSG’s bowlers led by Yash Thakur’s five-wicket haul clawed their way back into the contest. Thakur ran through the Titans’ middle-order, dismissing the dangerous Rahul Tewatia (30) and Rashid Khan (0) in quick succession. Chasing 164, Gujarat were ultimately restricted to 130/8 as Thakur wrapped up proceedings in the 19th over.
It was LSG’s second win of the season, while Gujarat suffered their first defeat after three victories. Thakur was adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning figures of 5/18.
Brief Scores: Lucknow Super Giants 163/5 (Stoinis 58, Rahul 33, Nalkande 2/21) beat Gujarat Titans 130/8 (Tewatia 30, Sudharsan 31, Thakur 5/18) by 33 runs.
LSG vs GT Best Batting Performances
Marcus Stoinis (LSG) – 58 runs off 43 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes)
Marcus Stoinis top-scored for Lucknow Super Giants with a solid 58 off 43 deliveries. He stitched a crucial 73-run partnership with KL Rahul to rebuild LSG’s innings after early wickets. Stoinis took time initially before cutting loose, scoring his first 22 runs off 28 balls. But he then accelerated well, striking 36 runs off his next 15 deliveries including two sixes. His innings helped LSG post a competitive 163/5.
LSG vs GT Best Bowling Performances
Yash Thakur (LSG) – 5/18 in 3.5 overs
Yash Thakur was the star with the ball for Lucknow, returning incredible figures of 5/18 in 3.5 overs. He broke the backbone of Gujarat’s chase by dismissing the dangerous Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill. Thakur struck at crucial intervals to never allow the Titans to get going in their pursuit of 164. His ninth over double-wicket maiden was perhaps the turning point of the innings. Thakur sealed the win by having Noor Ahmad caught in the 19th over to complete his fifer.
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LSG vs GT Interesting facts
- This was LSG’s first ever win over GT in IPL history. Gujarat had won all 4 previous meetings between the two teams.
- Nicholas Pooran’s 22-ball 32 took his IPL 2024 runs tally to 178 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 169.52. He has hit 15 sixes so far this season.
- KL Rahul’s strike rate of 117.64 in IPL 2024 is the lowest among all batters who have faced at least 150 balls in the last two IPL seasons.
- Yash Thakur’s figures of 5/18 are the best by an LSG bowler against GT in IPL history.
- GT leaked 37 runs in the last 3 overs, which proved costly in their chase of 164.
- LSG scored just 126 runs in the 16-20 over period across all their innings so far this IPL, the lowest for any team in the death overs.
- Debutant Siddharth, LSG’s impact player, bowled 3 front-foot no-balls in his 3 overs.
- Rashid Khan’s catch to dismiss Stoinis was the only one put down by GT in the match.
