Lucknow : In a high-octane clash at Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium, Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul orchestrated the win, guiding Lucknow Super Giants to an emphatic eight-wicket victory with six balls to spare against defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 34th match of the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
The pair’s 134-run partnership was instrumental in LSG’s successful run chase, evoking memories of their outstanding performance in the 2022 IPL season, where they amassed a memorable 210-run partnership.
Rahul’s innings was a masterclass in batting, as he effortlessly found the boundaries, hitting nine fours and three sixes in his 53-ball 82-run knock. His innings anchored the chase and played a pivotal role in steering LSG towards victory.
Following the dismissal of the openers, Nicholas Pooran (23*) and Marcus Stoinis (8*) ensured a smooth finish, guiding LSG past the finish line without further setbacks. Pooran’s boundary off a free hit sealed the deal, putting the finishing touches on LSG’s impressive chase.
Earlier, CSK had set a competitive target of 176 runs, with Ravindra Jadeja (57*) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (28*) leading the charge with crucial innings.
LSG’s bowling unit put in a disciplined performance, with Krunal Pandya spearheading the attack, claiming two wickets for 16 runs. Marcus Stoinis, Yash Thakur, Mohsin Khan, and Ravi Bishnoi chipped in with a wicket each to curtail CSK’s scoring.
The match was a visual treat for the 50,000-strong spectators, witnessing stellar performances from both teams. While Dhoni’s big hits entertained the fans, it was LSG’s day as they secured a vital victory, boosting their confidence in the IPL campaign.