IPL 2023: 38th Match LSG vs PK: April 28, 2023

In the match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings, LSG delivered an exceptional performance, scoring the highest total of the season and the second-highest in IPL history. Their batsmen, including Marcus Stoinis, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran, and Ayush Badoni, made significant contributions to achieve this feat. LSG finished their innings with a commanding score of 257 for 5. Despite a valiant effort from Punjab Kings, who managed to surpass the 200-run mark, they were never truly in contention to chase down the formidable target. LSG emerged victorious by a convincing margin of 56 runs, catapulting them from fourth to second position on the points table due to a significant boost in their net run rate.

The batting display by LSG was nothing short of spectacular, as they struck a total of 27 fours and 14 sixes, keeping the statisticians busy throughout the match. Kyle Mayers set the tone early in the innings by smashing four consecutive fours off Arshdeep Singh in the second over. He continued his assault by hitting a six over midwicket off a free hit bowled by debutant Gurnoor Brar. Mayers didn’t let up when Punjab Kings introduced spin, as he dispatched Sikandar Raza for two sixes and a four in the fifth over. Despite being dismissed towards the end of the powerplay, Mayers had already amassed an impressive 54 runs, setting a record for the highest score by a batter in the first six overs of the season. At the end of the powerplay, LSG had reached a score of 72 for 2.

Marcus Stoinis, who had struggled in previous innings with several low scores, made a strong comeback for LSG. His innings of 72 off 40 balls included five sixes and started with a six off a free hit in the eighth over. Stoinis followed it up with a boundary off the next ball, displaying his aggressive intent. In the tenth over, he skillfully guided Sam Curran for another four. Stoinis punished Curran’s slower delivery with a powerful short-arm pull. Although he had a close call where his catch was taken by Liam Livingstone on the long-off boundary but ruled as a six due to the fielder’s foot touching the rope, Stoinis reached his fifty in just 31 balls. His innings put immense pressure on the bowlers.

Ayush Badoni played a crucial role for LSG, forming a strong partnership of 89 runs with Stoinis for the third wicket. Badoni’s innings of 43 off 24 balls included three fours and three sixes, showcasing his aggressive approach and a strike rate close to 180. His dismissal in the 14th over brought Nicholas Pooran to the crease. Pooran wasted no time in launching three consecutive fours off Liam Livingstone. His knock of 45 off 19 deliveries included seven fours and a six, with well-timed shots finding gaps in the outfield. One particularly impressive shot was a late squeeze behind point off Arshdeep’s bowling.

In Punjab Kings’ chase, Atharva Taide played a steady innings after the early dismissal of Shikhar Dhawan. Taide contributed 31 runs of the 47 scored in the first five overs, showcasing a variety of shots including a leg-side hoick, a drive past mid-off, and a forceful slap through point off Avesh Khan’s bowling. He reached his half-century from 26 deliveries in the tenth over. However, Taide’s dismissal after miscuing a slog-sweep off Ravi Bishnoi left Punjab Kings with a daunting task of chasing an almost impossible target of 131 runs from seven overs, with six wickets in hand.

Despite Taide’s efforts, Punjab Kings’ required run rate had already spiraled to an unattainable 16 runs per over. The team continued to fight, with Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, and Jitesh Sharma keeping the boundary count rising. In fact, the match witnessed a total of 67 boundaries, which was the joint second-most in an IPL game. However, by the time they started scoring freely, the outcome of the match was all but decided.

In the end, Lucknow Super Giants emerged as the clear victors, winning by a comfortable margin of 56 runs. Their exceptional batting performance, led by Stoinis, Mayers, Pooran, and Badoni, propelled them to the highest total of the season and the second-highest in IPL history. This victory not only boosted their net run rate but also elevated them from fourth to second position on the points table.

The match provided a thrilling spectacle for the fans, with powerful hitting, skillful stroke play, and an abundance of boundaries. LSG’s batsmen unleashed an onslaught, combining for 27 fours and 14 sixes, leaving the statisticians with plenty to record. The contributions from Stoinis, Mayers, Pooran, and Badoni showcased their ability to dominate the opposition and set imposing targets.

On the other hand, Punjab Kings fought valiantly in their pursuit of the daunting total. Atharva Taide’s half-century and the aggressive stroke play from Livingstone, Curran, and Sharma were notable highlights. However, the mammoth target proved insurmountable, and they ultimately fell short.

The match served as a reminder of the excitement and entertainment that the IPL brings to cricket enthusiasts. It highlighted the impact of power hitting, partnerships, and calculated aggression in setting formidable totals and creating thrilling contests. The performances of both teams will be remembered as a testament to the incredible talent and skill on display in the IPL.