Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 2 runs in the 66th match of the IPL 2022 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on May 18 (Wednesday) and booked their place in the playoffs.
With the breathtaking narrow win over KKR, LSG made it to the IPL 2022 playoffs, while Kolkata’s campaign ended with a heartbreaking defeat on Wednesday. However, this exciting match was quite entertaining for the fans.
Be it batting, fielding, or bowling, in all three departments, both teams produced a complete and entertaining performance at the DY Patil Stadium.
Batting first, LSG posted a massive 210/0 on the board against KKR, thanks to a record partnership between Quinton de Kock (140*) and KL Rahul (68*) for the opening stand. Later, Marcus Stoinis delivered a stunning performance with the ball in the final over to secure a 2-run win for the LSG.
After the match, LSG captain KL Rahul said that he should be paid more for such a thrilling contest.
Rahul said after the match: “I should probably get paid even more for games like this. We had missed games like this, in this season. There haven’t been many games that have gone down to the last ball, maybe some went to the last over. Happy to be on the other side.
Could easily have been on the losing side and have gone back home thinking we lost this game by some poor cricket in the middle. A good way to finish the last game of the league season.”
The skipper continued, “Credit to both teams for making such a brilliant game of cricket. I can’t say we held our nerves a little better because it was a matter of three runs. But I think the last two balls from (Marcus) Stoinis to execute those plans in the last two balls to get us the win, was brilliant.
We batted well, and started well with the bat. We knew that KKR is going to come hard at us. Credit to them as they kept playing good shots. Good learning for us getting into the next stage of the IPL. Wins like these help to keep the team together, give us a lot of confidence.”
Rahul also lauded Mohsin Khan for his three-wicket haul against the KKR.
He said: “Mohsin has been exceptional for us in the last few games. He’s got great skills firstly but he has used them very cleverly and smartly. He’s a great talent and I have no doubt that he’ll be donning the Indian colors very soon the way he is bowling. The Indian team is always looking for a left-arm pacer. Really happy with the way he’s been bowling.”
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On De Kock’s century, Rahul said: “I was a spectator today in the last 2 or 2 overs. Brilliant, one of the best innings I’ve seen from the other side. He (De Kock) was striking the ball so crisply and cleanly. This is what he have been talking about what we lacked in a few gamers that the guys who were having good days weren’t winning us games. Guys getting 30s and 40s had to get us 70 and 80. That’s exactly what Quinny did.”
He signed off by saying on Evin Lewis’ stunning catch to dismiss dangerous Rinku Singh, “Everyone has been brilliant, starting with Lewis, that catch was brilliant. He’s been really struggling with a few tummy issues for the last few weeks, been in and out of the team, it’s never easy. He didn’t get to bat today but that’s what you want to see from players, their desire to contribute in any way possible.”
(With IANS/PTI Inputs)
