LSG were outplayed by PBKS in Dharamsala on Sunday.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Rishabh Pant remained optimistic of his team’s playoff chances despite their crushing 37-run defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Dharamsala on Sunday (May 4).
Asked to bat first, PBKS racked up a mammoth 236/5 on the board, courtesy of Prabhsimran Singh’s 48-ball 91 and handy contributions from Shreyas Iyer (45 off 25), Shashank Singh (33* off 15) and Josh Inglis (30 off 14).
In reply, LSG’s top three bundled for just 27 runs, and Pant scored 18 (17) at number four before Ayush Badoni top-scored with a valiant 74 (40), which went in vain.
“Definitely too many runs [in the first innings]," Pant said in the post-match presentation, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
“When you drop crucial catches at the wrong time, it can hurt you badly. We thought it would do more, but we did not pick the length right at the start. But that is part and parcel of the game. The dream is still alive. If we can win the next three matches, we can definitely turn around and do amazing things. (On the batting order and if they are looking to change it) It makes sense when your top order is batting well. Every match, you cannot hope for them to come off. It is part of the game, we have to take it deep sometimes. We had too many runs to catch up on and that hurt us badly," he added.
PBKS’ pace spearhead Arshdeep Singh produced arguably his best IPL spell, taking out LSG’s top-three in no time to return with the figures of 3/16 in four overs.
“For a change, there was some movement at the start, so really enjoyed it," the left-arm quick said after the match.
“In the second innings, the conditions get colder, so it swings more. (On the win) It surely gives us a lot of confidence, but there are still phases where we can improve as a team. (On the Wadhera catch to dismiss Marsh) I was just watching him run to the ball and prayig for it to be caught. Mitch is a dangerous player if he gets going. Credit goes to him (Wadhera) for that excellent catch. (On the Pooran wicket and how important it was) That was been the chat. Their top three has been scoring runs, so wanted to take early wickets. We are just taking it day by day and enjoying ourselves," he remarked.