The (Super) giants of Lucknow delivered today. Mohammed Shami set the tone with an outstanding spell up top, Aiden Makram played a solid knock and captain Rishabh Pant shepherded the team over the finish line.
A smile on Sanjiv Goenka's face at the end of the match tells you all that you need to know. Can LSG now sustain the momentum? They face 3-times champions KKR next on Thursday, April 9.
Meanwhile, SRH continue seem to be on a rollercoaster ride. A thrashing in the first match, an impressive comeback in the second and now another defeat here. While they have a bunch of positives to take from this game, the overall feeling will be a mixed one. They will play PBKS in New Chandigarh on Saturday, April 11 next.
Of course, Team CREX will be there to call the action. Do join us for those games. For now, this is Darpan Tikiya signing off on the behalf of Ajay Pal Singh, AkshayaKrishna Polya, Aman, Manish Bishnoi and Paras Yadav. Feel free to switch tabs and tune into the live coverage of RCB vs CSK. Goodbye from here! 👋
What actually happened?👇
Rishabh Pant hit the 5th ball of the 20th over past mid off. Just when the ball was set to cross the boundary, Avesh Khan used his bat to tap the ball back, more so in the heat of the moment, celebrating LSG's win.
Pritam: On any other occasion, Avesh Khan might have found himself in hot water following that bizarre final-ball incident. Standing ready, padded up on the sidelines, Avesh instinctively punched the ball back into the field of play just before it could reach the boundary ropes. He was fortunate to escape any formal reprimand this time, but such an interference could easily have resulted in a heavy penalty under the playing conditions. It isn't the first time we've seen a bit of flair or mischief from him, recalling some of his animated antics during his previous stint with LSG.
Mohammed Shami (POTM): "(Thoughts on his performance and the result) I just try. I am happy. We lost the first match. So, it was important to win this match to gain the momentum back.
(On putting in the hard yards in domestic cricket) If you love cricket and you want to play at a good level, it is important to work hard. If you're fit, then you will be able to execute your skills. I knew that if I play in domestic cricket, I will be able to have my flow and rhythm.
(On his strategy today) Last year I played at this ground. (He was playing for SRH then) I knew slower balls work here. So that is what I tried."
Player of the Match: Mohammed Shami
Rishabh Pant (LSG captain): "(Thoughts on the match?) It is a big plus, when you can stay in the middle and finish the match. (On the bowling) With bowlers, you got to appreciate them more often. They set up the match, especially when you are bowling first. Shami bhai, Avesh, Digvesh, Siddharth – everyone contributed really well.
We believe there is never a perfect match. You can always be a little critical as a management. But you have to appreciate what is happening inside. But it is about trusting your preparation, executing the plan and taking on the game.
(Should they have restricted SRH to a lower score?) There is no complain. When you start so well... As I said, you can be a little critical always.But we are looking to learn and get better with every match.
(On his batting) What ends well is all well. I have been preparing well. I let my bat do the talking. My colleagues know how much I am working hard. That is all that matters to me."