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Lucknow Super Giants secured their second victory of the IPL 2024 season with a resounding 28-run win against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
In a thrilling encounter, LSG posted a formidable total of 181/5, powered by Quinton de Kock’s impressive 81 and Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten blitzkrieg of 40 runs. Mayank Yadav’s stellar three-wicket haul played a pivotal role in restricting RCB to 153 runs in 19.4 overs, sealing the victory for LSG.
Opting to field first, RCB’s decision was met with a swift start by LSG openers Quinton de Kock and captain KL Rahul, who forged a strong 53-run partnership for the first wicket. Despite the early dismissal of Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal, LSG maintained momentum with contributions from Marcus Stoinis and the explosive Pooran, who lit up the stadium with his late fireworks.
In pursuit of LSG’s target, RCB’s top order, led by Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, made a promising start, accumulating 40 runs in four overs. However, quick wickets, including key dismissals of Kohli, du Plessis, and Maxwell, derailed their chase. Despite efforts from Anuj Rawat and Rajat Patidar, LSG’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Mayank Yadav, proved too formidable for RCB’s middle order.
Yadav’s exceptional performance was complemented by crucial breakthroughs from LSG bowlers, resulting in the dismissal of key RCB batsmen. Notable contributions came from Nicholas Pooran, who executed a remarkable run-out, and Naveen ul-Haq, whose delivery claimed the final wicket of the match.
With a dominant display both with bat and ball, Lucknow Super Giants showcased their prowess, securing a convincing victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in what proved to be an enthralling encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Quinton de Kock:
Reflecting on the pitch conditions, de Kock remarked that the pitch was offering both hold and bounce. He expressed his desire to stay at the crease longer to stabilize the innings, particularly considering the loss of wickets at crucial junctures. De Kock also praised the performance of Nicholas Pooran, highlighting his consistent contributions to the team’s success. Regarding Pooran’s impact, de Kock humorously suggested that the hefty paycheck Pooran receives is a testament to his value. Additionally, de Kock emphasized the variable nature of conditions, especially for openers accustomed to playing at the same venue.
Mayank Yadav (Player of the Match):
Yadav expressed his satisfaction at receiving the Player of the Match award for the second consecutive game, underlining his joy at contributing to his team’s victories. He expressed aspirations of representing the country in the future, viewing his current achievements as just the beginning of his journey. Yadav singled out Cameron Green’s wicket as his most enjoyable moment of the match, highlighting the importance of various factors such as diet, sleep, and training in maintaining pace bowling prowess. He emphasized his focus on maintaining a disciplined diet and prioritizing recovery, including techniques like ice baths.
KL Rahul (LSG captain):
Rahul offered a comprehensive analysis of the team’s performance, noting the tricky nature of the pitch, which provided assistance to the seam bowlers and exhibited stickiness. He commended de Kock for providing LSG with a solid start, which proved instrumental in establishing a competitive total. Despite RCB’s commendable bowling efforts in the latter stages, Rahul credited LSG’s early advantage for securing the win. He highlighted the team’s ability to stay ahead of the required run rate, ultimately securing victory even amidst pressure from the opposition’s bowlers.
