Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper Hardik Pandya was dismissed cheaply against the Lucknow Super Giants at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Tuesday. Pacer Avesh Khan dismissed him for just eleven runs in the first innings of the match.

Hardik Pandya walked out to bat after the fall of Matthew Wade’s wicket in the fifth over. However, his stay at the crease did not last for long. Just after their strategic break, Avesh Khan came on to bowl the tenth over of the innings. He bowled a short and wide of off-stump delivery.

Hardik went for the cut, but got a thick top-edge and was caught behind by the wicket-keeper. The Gujarat Titans skipper stood at the crease in disbelief, before walking back to the hut. The all-rounder wanted to make an impact for his team in the match.

Watch Hardik Pandya’s wicket:

The Gujarat Titans managed to put on 144 runs on the board in 20 overs. Opener Shubman Gill stayed unbeaten on 63 runs off 49 balls. His knock included seven boundaries and came at a strike rate of 128.57. Rahul Tewatia’s valuable contribution of 22 runs off 16 balls, lower down the order, helped the franchise to reach a respectable total.

The plan was to give as less runs as possible: Avesh Khan

Lucknow Super Giants pacer had a fantastic night with the ball at the MCA Stadium against the Gujarat Titans. He was the pick of the bowlers for his franchise in the first innings. Avesh took crucial wickets, dismissing Matthew Wade and Hardik Pandya cheaply.

The right-arm pacer finished with bowling figures of 2/26 runs in four overs. Speaking at the mid-innings break, he expressed that the plan was to give as less as possible. He also praised the Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul. Avesh said:

“The plan was to give as less runs as possible, we didn’t want to give any room for the batters, bowl stump-to-stump. Yes, the pitch is on the slower and lower side, but we need one batter to bat right through. Rahul gives us excellent support in terms of plans and strategies, and we do as he says.”

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