LSG VS MI MATCH 48

Right then, another game of the Indian T20 League 2024 ends with Lucknow coming on top to go number 3 on the points table after securing a comfortable win against Mumbai who have very few chances to make it to the playoffs now. Lucknow chased down 145 with 4 wickets in hand to gain the 2 points. The action continues in the Indian T20 League on 1st May, Wednesday, when Chennai take on Punjab at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). See you then. Cheers!

Marcus Stoinis is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his stellar all-round performance. He says that it was nice to bowl with the new ball but did not expect to bowl 3 overs in the Powerplay. States that the wicket was on the slower side but feels that they could have scored a bit faster. Shares that it was disappointing to get out and leave the finishing job to someone else. Adds that he wanted to put pressure on the off-spinner but the ball stuck in the surface and therefore, he could not get the desired connection. Mentions that this is his 3rd year now with Lucknow and he has been fortunate enough to be a part of the franchise. Ends by saying that he has built close bonds with people here and he is happy with the way the team is playing.

KL Rahul, the captain of Lucknow, admits to feeling a bit nervous during the chase but expresses confidence in the experienced middle-order batters like Pooran and Krunal. Despite a dry wicket, he believes that if Mumbai had set a target of 160-170, it would have been competitive. However, Lucknow's bowlers performed exceptionally, consistently taking wickets and easing the pressure on the batters. Securing the two points brings happiness to Rahul, but he acknowledges the need to address certain aspects of the team's performance, particularly in building momentum towards the end of the innings. Regarding Mayank Yadav's injury, Rahul reveals that although he hasn't spoken directly with Yadav, he noticed him experiencing slight pain after picking a wicket. As a precautionary measure, Yadav was advised to rest to avoid any potential risk.

... TIME FOR THE PRESENTATIONS ...

Justin Langer, the Head Coach of Lucknow, expresses his satisfaction with their victory over Mumbai, emphasizing the importance of every game in the competition. He highlights the significance of early wickets in the powerplay, noting that it sets the team up for success. Regarding Mayank's injury, Langer mentions that the player seems to be experiencing discomfort in the same area. Despite a flawless rehab process and recent pain-free bowling, Mayank's condition will be assessed further with a scan scheduled for the following day. Langer commends Marcus Stoinis for his impactful performance, both with the bat and in the field, emphasizing his value as a match winner. He acknowledges the crucial role Stoinis plays at the top of the order, especially after the team's initial challenges in the tournament.

The skipper of Mumbai, Hardik Pandya says that it is tough to recover from losing early wickets and that is what they could not do in this game. Adds that they did not lose wickets while trying to hit the ball hard. Shares that there will always be ups and downs but you have to give it your all. States that there were a lot of things to learn from this game. Says that Nehal Wadhera has been and feels that he will play a lot of Indian T20 League and play for India eventually.

In the first innings, Mumbai faced a rocky start after losing the toss, with early wickets falling and the scoreboard struggling at 28/4 in the powerplay. However, opener Ishan Kishan's calm presence alongside Nehal Wadhera stabilized the innings, guiding Mumbai to 57/4 at the halfway mark. Despite the initial setback, Tim David's explosive batting in the final overs and Wadhera's cautious approach during the middle overs propelled Mumbai to a competitive total of 144/7. Lucknow's bowlers, led by Mohsin Khan's 2/36, kept the pressure on, but Mumbai managed to post a fighting score which wasn't enough to stop the Lucknow batters from chasing it down.

It got too close for comfort for Lucknow but they got the 2 points and now sit at number 3 on the points table. Mumbai with this loss their playoff chances have become increasingly difficult. In the second innings, Lucknow chased down the target of 145 with four wickets in hand, securing their sixth victory of the season and strengthening their position on the table. The hosts displayed nerves of steel, holding their own against Mumbai's bowlers to clinch a thrilling win. Marcus Stoinis played a crucial role with a valuable half-century, steering Lucknow towards victory. Mumbai, on the other hand, faced their seventh defeat, further dimming their prospects of making it to the playoffs. Lucknow's all-round performance, backed by their bowlers' efforts and Stoinis' batting prowess, sealed a memorable win at home.

In the air....but it lands safely and Lucknow get over the line with 4 balls to spare! Dipping low full toss, at the stumps, Nicholas Pooran stays low and swings to go back over the bowler's head. This comes off the bottom part of the bat and skies it high in the air. However, Pooran gets enough bat on it to clear Tim David at mid off. They cross for a single and Lucknow win this clash by 4 wickets.

Intelligent batting by Pooran! Scores are level now. Angling into the left-hander, full and on middle, from around the wicket, Nicholas Pooran gets forward and tucks it in the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.

Mohammad Nabi will bowl the final over of the Match. Mumbai have been fined for slow over rate and now only 4 fielders are allowed outside the circle. Lucknow need 3 runs to win the match.

Goes full this time, on off, Nicholas Pooran sits deep in his crease and drills it on the bounce to long off where Mohammad Nabi mops it up. A single off it then which leaves Lucknow needing 3 runs in the final over.

FOUR! Nowhere close to where Nicholas Pooran intended but Lucknow will take it any which way they come! Luck going Lucknow's way here. Comes from around the wicket and bowls it on a length, around off, Nicholas Pooran gets low to make the connection and he swings to big on the leg side. Gets an inside edge that beats the diving Ishan Kishan to his right and races away for a boundary.

Nails the wide yorker, near the tramline on off, Nicholas Pooran steers it with an open bat face towards deep backward point where Rohit Sharma runs around and dives to his right to save a couple of runs for his side. Run a ball now for Lucknow, 8 needed off 8.

WIDE! Wayward outside the line of the off stump. Nicholas Pooran looks to throw his hands at it but misses the ball. The Umpire signals WIDE.

Hits the length hard outside the off stump line and Nicholas Pooran walks around and looks to go over long on but misses the ball completely.

At pace and into the wicket, Krunal Pandya hangs back and pulls it without much timing to long on for a single.