On a difficult batting surface against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday in the IPL 2023 match. Lucknow Super Giants eventually managed to score an impressive 177 for three in 20 overs. As it has at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.
While batting on 49 and suffering from an injury, captain Krunal Pandya also played a brave inning that assisted LSG in overcoming the first three blows.
A large portion of the credit goes to the outstanding knock by Marcus Stoinis. In order to reach their score of 177, LSG needed to score 54 runs in the final three overs. Which they did thanks to the all-rounder’s unbeaten 89 off 47.
The three opening blows were revived by LSG thanks in part to a courageous knock from captain Krunal Pandya. He had left the field while batting on 49 and was hurt.
After Mumbai decided to bowl first, left-arm pacer Jason Behrendorff struck early in the innings by removing Deepak Hooda and Prerak Mankad in quick succession. With the latter being dismissed for a golden duck. Quinton de Kock was struck out for 16 after four overs by Piyush Chawla.
Then, Krunal and Stoinis worked together to create a partnership of 82 runs. The highest by any pair in IPL 2023 in Lucknow. Surpassing their previous record of 79 runs, set by Hooda and Kyle Mayers against Delhi Capitals. Which helped LSG recover from 35 for 3 to 117 for 3 in the 16th over.
But after that over, Krunal hobbled off the field after hurting his leg while batting. When he made the decision to leave the field at the age of 49, Nicholas Pooran entered.
Krunal Pandya leaves the field hurt after reaching base at 49
Retired out? #LSGvsMI #KrunalPandya
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) May 16, 2023
Rajasthan Royals bowler R Ashwin, like the majority of users on Twitter, brought up the urgent issue. But given the timing of Krunal’s choice.
While the commentators called attention to the injury. Ashwin and the majority of his social media followers believed it was a tactical move.
When the slog overs began, Stoinis improved his performance, while Pooran’s eight off eight balls did not significantly affect the score.
Later, as MI started their pursuit of 178, Krunal began to play with the ball. The Australian batsman helped LSG reach 177 for three by smashing 40 runs off of the last 16 balls he faced.