Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) succumbed to a 12-run defeat in Match 6 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday (April 3).
After being put into bat, Ruturaj Gaikwad (57 off 31) and Devon Conway (47 of 29) got CSK off to a flyer. The opening stand of 110 runs helped the hosts set up a strong total of 217 in 20 overs. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi was the stand-out bowler for LSG, picking up three wickets by conceding 28 runs in four overs.
In reply, LSG got off to a blazing start as Kyle Mayers took the CSK attack to the cleaners, adding 79 runs for the opening wicket with KL Rahul (20) in just 5.3 overs.
Moeen Ali dismissed Mayers for 53 off 22 balls and the latter’s wicket triggered a collapse. The visitors were reduced to 105/4 with Moeen claiming three more scalps to return with the figures of 4 for 26 in four overs. While Nicholas Pooran played a cameo of 18-ball 32, he didn’t get the desired support from other end.
The likes of Ayush Badoni (23), Krishnappa Gowtham (17*) and Mark Wood (10*) reduced the margin of defeat with some lusty blows but LSG’s innings was eventually restricted to 205/7.
Speaking after the match, LSG skipper Rahul conceded that they didn't bowl in the right areas and allowed CSK to get away to a strong start.
“Not the ideal start after winning the toss. The first couple of overs it was a bit sticky and there was a bit of movement, but we did not bowl in the right areas and they got that flier. When you have quality batters in the opposition, they make you pay. Something for us to learn but the way Rutu and Conway played was brilliant. It does take time to learn what lengths to bowl on a surface, but to go for 70 odd in six overs isn’t ideal,” said Rahul at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Commenting on his team’s batting performance, Rahul said LSG didn't capitalize on the momentum they had early. The captain also praised Mayers and Bishnoi for their performances on the day.
“We batted well but we didn’t capitalize the small momentum. Kyle (Mayers) is coming off good form, he was smoking them for West Indies and comes here with the same form and intent. Great to see what he’s done with the opportunity. Bishnoi is someone I’ve played with for a while, he gets wickets when things aren’t going well, puts his hand up and contains runs. Good to see different guys putting their hands up,” Rahul stated.
“Wouldn’t change the toss decision, we didn’t win because we didn’t capitalize the small moments. We had a good start but couldn’t press on. Not often we’ll find 4-5 guys caught on the boundary ropes, they needed to go over and will go over the next time. We’ll take that in T20 cricket, today the game didn’t go our way but this is the way we want to keep playing,” he concluded.
