Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) suffered a narrow two-wicket defeat at the hands of Punjab Kings (PBSK) in Match 21 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday (April 15).

Invited to bat first, LSG posted 159/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Skipper KL Rahul top scored for the hosts with 56-ball 74.

Defending the total, LSG bowlers reduced the visitors to 45/3 in the powerplay overs. While Sikandar Raza’s half-century (57 off 41) brought PBKS back in the contest, the game went down to the wire as Lucknow bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals.

With 7 needed off the last over, Shahrukh Khan (23* off 10) sealed the deal for PBKS on the third delivery while facing leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi.

After the game, Rahul said that the hosts were about 10 runs short towards the end and did not execute their plans well with the ball.

“I think we were about 10 runs short towards the end. The dew came in and it seemed to help the batters a little bit more. We did not execute well with the ball. When you are playing on a new ground and a new pitch, you cannot rely on the previous games. If a couple of batters get in, play good knocks, we can get to 180-190,” stated Rahul at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“Unfortunately, today, few of the batters hit good shots but got caught just on the boundary line. On another day, we would have got those 10-15 runs extra that would have made the difference,” he added.

The LSG captain grabbed an incredible diving catch to get rid of Jitesh Sharma in the 16th over of Punjab’s innings.

Talking about his catch, Rahul said: “The game was on the line and I try to give everything when I am on the field. Each player has a different role to play and that is why it is called a team game.”

Lucknow Super Giants will next face Rajasthan Royals at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on April 19.