Marsh, Markram Lead LSG Past Mumbai Indians
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) provided their campaign with a significant boost, securing a vital victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) in their Indian Premier League clash on Friday. After compiling an imposing total of 203 runs, LSG successfully defended it through disciplined bowling, particularly in the closing stages, despite a remarkable all-round individual effort from Mumbai's Hardik Pandya.
Lucknow Batters capitalise on Improved Surface
Playing on a black-soil pitch that offered better value for shots compared to their previous home game, LSG's batsmen posted 200-plus for the first time this season at the Ekana Stadium. Mitchell Marsh provided early impetus with an aggressive 60 runs. Aiden Markram anchored the middle phase with a well-composed 53. Useful cameos from Ayush Badoni (30) and David Miller (27* off 13 balls) ensured LSG finished strongly, reaching 203 for 7.
Pandya Shines with Five-Wicket Haul for Mumbai
Despite LSG's batting success, Hardik Pandya delivered an outstanding performance with the ball for Mumbai Indians. He claimed five crucial wickets, including LSG captain Rishabh Pant (whose batting struggles continued), the well-set Markram, and two wickets in the final over, finishing with impressive figures.
Mumbai's Lacked Consistency
In the absence of the injured Rohit Sharma, Mumbai's makeshift opening pair failed to fire. However, Naman Dhir injected momentum with a rapid 46 off 24 balls. Suryakumar Yadav then took charge, playing a fine innings of 67 off 43 deliveries to keep MI in contention. Yet, support was inconsistent, with Tilak Varma managing only 25 off 23 balls before tactically retiring out in the penultimate over.
Disciplined Bowling, Especially at Death, Secures Win
LSG's bowlers held their nerve during the chase. Debutant mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi was exceptionally economical, conceding just 21 runs in his four overs, picking up Dhir's key wicket, and earning the Player of the Match award. As the pressure mounted, needing 29 from the last two overs, Shardul Thakur bowled a tight 19th over. Avesh Khan then successfully defended 22 in the final over, executing his yorkers well despite a six from Hardik Pandya (28* off 16). Avesh had earlier claimed the crucial wicket of the dangerous Suryakumar Yadav, significantly denting MI's hopes.
Though Hardik Pandya showcased his all-round capabilities, but LSG's batting and composed bowling under pressure, especially from Rathi and the death bowlers, proved decisive. This victory gets LSG back on track.
Pic courtesy: CRICINFO
